The Nigerian Navy scored another operational success on Saturday, 14 March 2026, with the destruction of a reactivated illegal refinery site in Okolomade Community, Abua-Odual LGA, Rivers State.
The mission, led by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was launched following credible intelligence that a previously dismantled illegal refining site had resumed operations.
According to Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, an Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) team was immediately deployed to the location.
On arrival, the team confirmed that the refining oven had been reconstructed, signaling the revival of illegal operations in the community.
Further inspections uncovered additional refining equipment and storage facilities containing about 3,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In line with operational protocols, all illegal infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, pipes, and newly acquired metal components, was swiftly destroyed on-site, crippling the operation.
The Nigerian Navy emphasized that the strike reflects the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering nationwide.
Officials stressed that intelligence-led operations remain central to dismantling criminal refining networks and securing critical national oil assets.
Analysts note that reactivated illegal refineries pose serious environmental and economic risks, making rapid response by security agencies vital to curbing losses.
With operations like this, the Navy demonstrates sustained momentum under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, sending a clear warning to illegal operators in Nigeria’s maritime domain.