The Nigerian Navy has dealt a decisive blow to crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling multiple illegal refining camps and disrupting entrenched supply networks in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
The coordinated operations, executed by Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER and Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, underscore an intensified maritime security campaign aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure and economic lifelines.
A statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, confirmed that the latest offensive was driven by credible intelligence and precision deployment of naval assets across identified hotspots.
On May 1, 2026, personnel of NNS PATHFINDER launched a targeted Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol within the Ahoada West axis of Rivers State, deploying two gunboats manned by 20 operatives.
During the operation, troops uncovered and dismantled five illegal refining sites located around the Egboama-Ogbogolo community, a known corridor for illicit petroleum activities.
The illegal facilities comprised about 15 dug-out pits, makeshift storage systems and reservoirs stocked with an estimated 85,000 litres of suspected crude oil, alongside 78,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
Preliminary findings indicated that the stolen crude was being siphoned from a nearby wellhead situated just metres from the refining pits, although the operator of the facility could not be immediately identified.
Naval personnel swiftly neutralised the camps and destroyed the illicit products in accordance with established operational protocols, while suspected operators fled the area on sighting the troops.
In a related operation in Bayelsa State, NNS SOROH responded to intelligence on attempted pipeline vandalism along the Soku Gas Plant corridor, arriving at the scene at about 7 p.m. to conduct a sweep of the area.
The search led to the recovery of equipment used for illegal connections, including jerrycans and long-length industrial hoses concealed in nearby bushes, further confirming ongoing sabotage activities in the region.
Although no arrests were made in both operations, the Navy disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle wider criminal networks linked to oil theft.
The service reiterated its resolve to sustain aggressive patrols and deny economic saboteurs operational space, maintaining that the maritime domain must remain secure for legitimate economic activities to thrive.
It also called on members of the public to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.