Sprawling illegal refining sites and crude oil storage facilities worth over N600 million, spanning three states – Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta, have been uncovered and dismantled by the Nigerian Navy.

The facilities were dismantled on April 17, 2026, according to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.

He said in Rivers State, along the Rivers–Bayelsa boundary corridor, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed Anti-Crude Oil Theft team to the Egboama/Ogbogolo area of Ahoada West Local Government Area, conducting a coordinated land–water operation, resulting in the discovery of multiple illegal refining sites, including dugout pits, ovens, reservoirs, and storage facilities used for sustained illicit refining activities.

“A comprehensive assessment uncovered approximately 103,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 190,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). 

“Using conservative market benchmarks, the seized crude oil is valued at over ₦91 million, while the AGO is estimated at over ₦342 million, resulting in a total worth of over ₦433 million.”

Folorunsho said in Delta State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA uncovered and deactivated a concealed crude oil storage facility around Bennett Island.

He stated that the site, linked to a buried pipeline through an improvised hose system, contained about 78,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, valued at approximately ₦69 million, alongside equipment used for illegal siphoning.

“All illegal refining infrastructure and storage facilities were dismantled in situ, while recovered products were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures,” he said, adding that no arrest was made as the perpetrators fled upon sighting the naval personnel.

He said those coordinated operations underscored the Navy’s intensified crackdown on crude oil theft across multiple operational theatres and reinforce the sustained momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recently extended by an additional 90 days to consolidate gains and further degrade criminal networks.

Folorunsho quoted the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as commending the effort of the participating units of Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

Abbas charged the Commander, Task Group, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, not to relent but to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks bent on stealing the nation’s common patrimony.

He reiterated the Nigerian Navy‘s commitment to protecting the country’s critical oil infrastructure, safeguarding the maritime environment, and securing the nation’s economic lifelines in line with his vision and mission.