The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and neutralised nine illegal refining sites in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State as part of ongoing efforts to tackle crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities in the Niger Delta.
According to an operational report released by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Tuesday, July 21, the discovery was made by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY during an operation conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Folorunsho disclosed that the operation uncovered nine illegal refining locations containing 23 dugout pits. Eighteen of the pits were found to contain an estimated 104,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
He added that five additional newly excavated pits, which were being prepared for future use, were discovered and destroyed before they could become operational.
The naval spokesperson said the operation prevented criminal groups from expanding their illegal refining activities in the area and dealt a major blow to crude oil theft networks operating within the region.
According to him, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence and focused on criminal facilities hidden around the Wakama/Bolo and Aworkiri communities.
He said the action disrupted attempts by economic saboteurs to establish new refining points and continue the illegal production of petroleum products.
During the operation, naval personnel also recovered eight locally fabricated refining pots and three large storage tanks, further weakening the capacity of the illegal operators to continue their activities.
The Navy stated that all recovered products and destroyed facilities were handled in line with established procedures for combating crude oil theft.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
He noted that targeting both active and emerging illegal refining sites would continue to reduce the ability of crude oil theft syndicates to rebuild their operations.
The Nigerian Navy maintained that it would intensify efforts to protect the nation’s strategic assets and preserve the integrity of the oil and gas sector.
