The Nigerian Navy has thwarted an attempt to reactivate an illegal refining operation in Rivers State, dismantling four refining sites and recovering approximately 77,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, targeted suspected illegal refining camps believed to be part of efforts by oil thieves to resume illicit activities in the Niger Delta.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Navy described the operation as a major setback for crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, which continue to threaten Nigeria’s oil output and economic growth.
According to the statement, all four illegal refining sites were deactivated, while equipment used for the illicit operations was destroyed in accordance with existing regulations.
The Navy reiterated its resolve to sustain the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage across the region. It also warned individuals involved in such activities to desist, emphasizing that surveillance and enforcement operations would be intensified along the waterways.
Operation Delta Sentinel remains part of broader efforts by security agencies to safeguard critical national assets and curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
