Navy Sustains Pressure on Petroleum Theft, Recovers 33,800 Litres in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has sustained its operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recovering about 33,800 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.

The latest operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in the Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State as part of efforts to disrupt illegal refining networks operating in the area.

The recovered products were identified as Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel. They were discovered in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs associated with illegal refining activities.

The operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage within the Niger Delta.

The Navy said the operation was part of intensified efforts to prevent illegal refining sites from being reactivated after previous security interventions in the area.

According to the operational report, the continued presence of naval personnel has increased pressure on operators and made it more difficult for illegal refining networks to rebuild their facilities and resume activities.

No arrests were recorded during the latest operation, as suspected operators reportedly fled the area before the arrival of the naval team.

The recovered petroleum products and materials found at the sites were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures.

The Navy has continued to carry out intelligence-led operations across Rivers and other oil-producing states, targeting illegal refineries, storage facilities, vessels and other infrastructure allegedly used in the illicit petroleum trade.

The service has also intensified patrols across waterways and riverine communities in the Niger Delta as part of efforts to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and reduce activities linked to crude oil theft.

The latest recovery adds to a series of operations recorded under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in Rivers State and other parts of the Niger Delta.

The Nigerian Navy has said it will maintain pressure on criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining, while strengthening cooperation with other security agencies to protect the country’s petroleum resources.