The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegally reconstructed refining cluster, along the Rivers–Bayelsa border with about 8,500 litres of suspected petroleum products recovered.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to Folorunsho, the operation carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL followed credible intelligence over the operation of the refinery.
“This crackdown followed a credible intelligence on illegal refining around Egboama/Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State,” he said.
Folorunsho said that the operation involved coordinated land and water insertion, supported by aerial surveillance to locate the concealed refining sites, within the creek.
“The troops uncovered approximately 5,500 litres of suspected crude oil and 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.
The Naval spokesperson added that generators, welding machines and other tools used in expanding the illegal facilities were also recovered during the operation.
“Findings depicted deliberate efforts by the criminal networks to restart the refining infrastructure previously destroyed by security forces.
“All identified sites and equipment have been deactivated in line with operational procedures, while surveillance and monitoring of adjoining creek corridors remain ongoing,” he said.
He noted that the sustained operations were focused on preventing the re-establishment of illegal refining camps and dismantling support structures sustaining crude oil theft.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets, securing the maritime domain and denying economic saboteurs freedom of action in the Niger Delta.