Navy dismantles three illegal refineries in Rivers State, seizes 117,000 litres of crude

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, seizing approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The operation was conducted on November 5, 2026, by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny. The sites were located in Awokiri Community within the Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of the state. Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Information, disclosed the details of the raid in a statement released on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

According to the naval spokesperson, the intervention was triggered by credible intelligence indicating the recent establishment of new illegal refining facilities in the area. Upon arrival, the naval team identified a complex of storage structures used for the processing and holding of petroleum products. The operation resulted in the deactivation of the illegal infrastructure and the recovery of significant volumes of crude oil, which were subsequently handled in accordance with existing regulations.

Background

The discovery involved a total of 16 dugout pits at the site. Of these, nine contained an estimated 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. An additional storage tank held approximately 2,000 litres, bringing the total volume recovered to around 117,000 litres. The remaining four pits were found to contain only water, while three others appeared to be freshly excavated, suggesting ongoing or preparatory activity at the location.

Captain Folorunsho stated that the operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. The strategy relies on intelligence-driven operations to target criminal networks involved in the illicit extraction and refining of petroleum products. The Navy has emphasized that dismantling such facilities is critical to disrupting the supply chains of those engaged in oil theft. By removing these illegal structures, the service aims to protect the country’s oil and gas infrastructure and safeguard the nation’s economic interests. The spokesperson noted that these actions are consistent with the broader mandate to secure maritime and coastal resources against criminal exploitation.

Why it matters

The seizure of over 117,000 litres of crude oil represents a significant disruption to the illegal refining economy in the region. The Nigerian Navy has indicated that such operations are designed to protect critical oil and gas assets, which are vital to the country’s economy. The removal of these sites also serves to mitigate the environmental and safety risks associated with unregulated refining activities, which often lack proper safety standards and waste management protocols. The operation highlights the ongoing challenge of crude oil theft in Nigeria, where illegal bunkering and refining have become persistent issues. By targeting the infrastructure directly, the Navy aims to reduce the capacity of criminal groups to profit from stolen resources. The recovery of this volume of oil also underscores the scale of the illicit trade that security agencies are working to dismantle.

The involvement of the Forward Operating Base Bonny indicates a targeted approach to specific high-risk areas in Rivers State. The use of intelligence to pinpoint the locations of these sites suggests a shift towards more precise and effective enforcement actions. The handling of the seized products in line with extant regulations ensures that the legal processes for dealing with stolen goods are followed, potentially leading to further investigations into the source of the oil and the individuals responsible for its theft. This operation contributes to the broader national effort to secure the energy sector and ensure that petroleum resources are managed through legitimate channels.