Nigerian Navy Destroys Two Illegal Refineries, Recovers 34,000 Litres of AGO in Rivers

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered about 34,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, in a fresh operation aimed at curbing crude oil theft and illegal refining.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS PATHFINDER, identified and deactivated the two illegal refining sites around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on August 28, 2026. The recovered products were found stored in dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs, alongside other equipment and materials believed to have been used for the illegal refining activities.

The Navy said the latest operation was part of sustained efforts by NNS PATHFINDER to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining infrastructure in the area, adding that continued interventions had contributed to a decline in the reactivation of such sites. It said the identified sites, recovered products and other associated items were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, while no arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining, protect critical national assets and safeguard legitimate economic activities across Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environment.