Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have recovered about 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) after destroying three illegal refining sites in the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the operation, carried out on 22 August 2026 based on credible intelligence, led to the discovery of 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs containing the suspected products, along with two pumping machines used by the operators.
It was the second raid by NNS PATHFINDER in the area within one week, following the destruction of two other illegal refining sites on 15 August 2026.
Speaking on the operation, Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the successive strikes had “constrained efforts to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure” in the area, noting that there had been “a noticeable decline in the reactivation of such sites” since the crackdown intensified.
He said the recovered products, sites and equipment were handled “in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures,” adding that no arrest was made as the operators fled before troops arrived.
“The latest success demonstrates the impact of sustained naval pressure on the infrastructure that enables illegal refining and crude oil theft,” Folorunsho said, noting that the operation had denied the criminals “the capacity to restore their illicit operations.”
He said the Navy remained committed to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect the nation’s oil and gas assets, disrupt economic sabotage and create a secure environment for legitimate production and investment.
