The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegally reconstructed refining cluster, along the Rivers–Bayelsa border, recovering about 8,500 litres of suspected petroleum products.

The navy disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. It said the operation was carried out by operatives of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

“This crackdown followed a credible intelligence on illegal refining around Egboama/Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State,” it said.

The navy said the operation involved coordinated land and water insertion, supported by aerial surveillance to locate 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 diesel, the navy stated.

It added that generators, welding machines, and other tools used to expand 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,” said the statement.

The navy also mentioned that the sustained operations were focused on preventing the re-establishment of illegal refining camps and dismantling support structures sustaining crude oil theft.

The statement reaffirmed the 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.

(NAN)