Navy destroys 9 illegal refining sites in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed nine illegal refining sites housing 175,000 litres of stolen crude products in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt. He said the sites contained 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout […]
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed nine illegal refining sites housing 175,000 litres of stolen crude products in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt.
He said the sites contained 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout pits holding approximately 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 80,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, and 33,000 litres of kerosene.
Aniaku noted that the operation took place on May 12 as part of ongoing efforts to tackle oil theft and bunkering in the Niger Delta.
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He added that the NNS Pathfinder’s Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron also uncovered two wellheads technically connected with pipes used by oil thieves to siphon crude oil to their camps.
Aniaku said the force, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, remains committed to eradicating oil theft, which continues to threaten Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
“On May 12, 2025, the NNS Pathfinder conducted a successful operation against oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni area.
“The Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron, acting on credible intelligence, deployed personnel and assets to dismantle nine illegal refining sites. The team discovered and dismantled two wellheads connected with siphoning pipes, 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 pits containing stolen crude and refined products.
“All products were handled according to anti-crude oil theft procedures. No arrests were made, as the suspects fled upon sighting the patrol team,” he said.