PICTORIAL: Navy Dismantles 9 Illegal Crude Oil Refining Sites In Rivers

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder have dismantled nine illegal refining sites in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State.

The illegal refining sites had 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout pits that contained approximately 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 80,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 33,000 liters of kerosene.

Commander of NNS PATHFINDER, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, disclosed this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday morning.

Commodore Aniaku said the NNS PATHFINDER’s Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron Team, during the operation, uncovered two wellheads technically connected with pipes which were being used by the oil thieves for siphoning crude oil to their camps.

He said: “On 12 May 2025, the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER successfully conducted an operation against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni general area.

“The NNS PATHFINDER’S Tactical
Riverine Assault Squadron Team, acting on credible intelligence, deployed personnel and assets to conduct anti-crude oil theft and illegal bunkering operations. During the operation, the team discovered 2 wellheads connected with pipes used for siphoning crude oil.

“The team dismantled the connected pipes to the wellheads and also dismantled 9 illegal refining sites with 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout pits containing approximately 60,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil, 80,000 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 33,000 liters of kerosene.

“The products were handled in accordance with anti-crude oil theft procedures. No arrests were made as the perpetrators fled upon sighting the patrol team.”

Aniaku, who commended the personnel for their bravery, stated that the Nigerian Navy under the able leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, remains committed to combating crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, which pose significant threats to the nation’s economy and energy security.