Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling a reactivated illegal refining network hidden deep within the creeks along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.
The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, targeted illegal refining sites around Egboama and Ogbogolo in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State following credible intelligence on renewed activities by oil theft syndicates.
Naval authorities said the operation involved a coordinated land, water and air assault into the swampy terrain, with drone surveillance deployed to identify concealed refining camps buried within the creeks.
According to the Navy, aerial reconnaissance exposed several active illegal refining locations suspected to have been reactivated after previous security operations in the area.
Ground forces subsequently moved into the camps where they uncovered multiple refining ovens, dugout reservoirs, storage pits and processing equipment used for refining stolen crude oil into petroleum products.
During the clearance operation, troops recovered approximately 5,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and about 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Security operatives also seized generators, welding machines and other tools believed to have been used in rebuilding and expanding the illegal refining camps.
Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the latest discovery highlights continued efforts by criminal networks to revive oil theft infrastructure despite sustained military pressure across the Niger Delta.
According to him, all identified refining sites and equipment were immediately destroyed in line with operational procedures to prevent further use by oil thieves.
He added that surveillance and security presence have now been intensified across adjoining waterways and creeks to block future attempts to reactivate illegal refining operations within the corridor.
“The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to deny criminal elements the freedom and capacity to sustain crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta,” he stated.
Folorunsho noted that Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains focused on dismantling the logistics and operational networks supporting crude oil theft while protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets and maritime environment.
The Navy further reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating economic sabotage, securing oil infrastructure and restoring stability across the region.
Security analysts say the latest raid represents another major setback for oil theft syndicates operating along the Rivers–Bayelsa axis, an area long associated with illegal refining activities and pipeline vandalism.
The renewed offensive comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb crude oil losses, improve national oil production and strengthen economic security in the Niger Delta region.