The Nigerian Navy has disrupted an attempt to revive illegal refining activities in Rivers State, recovering approximately 103,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The operation was conducted on August 22, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, following intelligence on renewed illegal refining activities.
During the operation, naval personnel discovered and dismantled three illegal refining sites containing 12 dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs filled with suspected illegally refined products. Two pumping machines believed to have been used in the operations were also recovered.
The operation came barely a week after the Navy disrupted two other illegal refining sites in the area on August 15, as efforts intensify to prevent operators from rebuilding dismantled facilities.
The Navy said the successive operations have put pressure on illegal refining networks, with a noticeable decline in the reactivation of previously disrupted sites.
No arrests were made during the latest operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before naval personnel arrived.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which is aimed at protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, combating crude oil theft and economic sabotage, and creating a secure environment for legitimate oil production and investment.
