The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its crackdown on illegal oil refining in Rivers State, recovering about 33,000 liters of products believed to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from two illegal refining sites in Egbema-Ndoni Local Council.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folarunsho, Director of Naval Information, announced this in a statement on Sunday, stating that the operation was carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER on September 6.
He explained that the 33,000 liters recovered were the suspected illegally refined AGO found at the two sites uncovered during the operation.
The naval team also found eight dugout pits, sacks, and reservoirs believed to be linked to illegal refining activities.
Folarunsho said the sites and recovered products were then handled following established procedures.
He added that the operation was part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to stop illegal refining operators from returning to areas where their activities had previously been disrupted.
He recalled that the Navy had previously dismantled two illegal refining sites in the same area on August 28, and noted that the latest effort showed continued pressure on operators trying to restart their activities.
Despite repeated interventions, suspected operators reportedly attempted to restart their operations before the latest raid.
However, they fled before the naval team arrived, avoiding arrest and leaving behind the products and materials found at the sites.
Folarunsho emphasized that ongoing naval operations are making it harder for illegal refiners to re-establish and maintain their activities in the area.
The recent recovery contributes to the Navy’s ongoing campaign to disrupt illegal refining and crude oil-related activities in the Niger Delta, where illicit refining remains a persistent issue.
No arrests were made during the operation.
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