Nigerian Navy Dismantles 3 Illegal Refining Warehouses in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region.On Monday, 19 January 2026, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated three illegal refining warehouses at Olobulo Amma Community, located in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.According to the Navy, the illegal facilities housed 15 GeePee tanks loaded with large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Also recovered at the site was a fibre boat containing an unspecified volume of the illicit product.Further items seized during the operation included 11 jerricans of lubricant, one pumping machine, and two electric submersible pumping machines, all believed to be used in support of illegal refining operations.The Nigerian Navy confirmed that the illegal facilities were subsequently neutralised in line with operational guidelines to deny criminal elements the opportunity to resume illegal activities in the area.The operation forms part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment, protect critical oil infrastructure, and combat crude oil theft and illegal refining across the Niger Delta.The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on economic saboteurs, stressing that it remains undeterred and unrelenting in the fight against crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.