Navy Regains Control Over Illicit Refining Hotspots in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has asserted operational control over known illegal refining hotspots in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, thereby frustrating repeated attempts to reactivate dismantled refining infrastructure. This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.

Folorunsho recalled that on July 10, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites within the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. Despite the successful operation, criminal elements attempted to reactivate the sites, prompting sustained monitoring and follow-up anti-crude-oil-theft operations by the navy.

During the latest operation, NNS PATHFINDER personnel rediscovered and deactivated two reactivated illegal refining sites, recovering approximately 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. They also recovered 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in seven dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres.

The operation demonstrates the navy's determination to deny crude oil thieves the opportunity to regain operational footholds or rebuild illegal refining infrastructure within its area of responsibility. Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho emphasized that all illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, while sustained operational pressure continued across identified criminal enclaves.

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy's commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks, protect critical national assets, and support Nigeria's economic security. This effort has significant implications for the security and economic development of Nigeria, as the illicit refining of petroleum products poses a significant threat to the country's revenue and national security.

Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho has been the Director of Naval Information since 2022. He has been instrumental in shaping the navy's communication strategy and has led several high-profile operations to combat crude oil theft and piracy.

The Nigerian Navy's Operation DELTA SENTINEL aims to disrupt and dismantle the networks of crude oil thieves and illegal refiners operating in the Niger Delta region. The operation has been ongoing since February 2023, with the primary goal of protecting critical national assets and supporting Nigeria's economic security.

The operation involves a multi-agency approach, incorporating naval and land-based assets, as well as collaboration with international partners. The effort has yielded significant results, with the recovery of millions of litres of petroleum products and the disruption of several major crude oil theft syndicates.

Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho has said that the operation will continue to be sustained, with a focus on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt crude oil theft networks.

The Nigerian Navy's efforts to combat crude oil theft and piracy have been widely recognized as a major success, with significant implications for the security and economic development of Nigeria.