Manny Ita –
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery operating in the Okolomade community of Rivers State as part of its ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Naval authorities said the discovery was made during a routine patrol by personnel deployed to protect critical oil infrastructure and curb economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region. The illegal refining site, located in a creek within the community, was reportedly producing refined petroleum products from stolen crude oil before it was dismantled by naval operatives.
According to the Navy, the facility had previously been destroyed but was reactivated by suspected oil thieves who resumed operations in the area. The latest raid led to the destruction of several makeshift refining ovens, storage tanks and large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products.
A naval official involved in the operation said the success of the mission demonstrated the service’s continued commitment to tackling crude oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mandate to rid the waterways of economic saboteurs and those engaging in illegal refining activities that harm the nation’s economy and the environment,” the official said.
He added that the operation forms part of broader security efforts aimed at sustaining pressure on oil theft networks and protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that illegal refining not only undermines national revenue but also contributes significantly to environmental pollution in host communities across the Niger Delta.
The Navy urged residents of coastal communities to support security agencies by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of individuals involved in crude oil theft and related crimes. Naval authorities also reaffirmed that patrols and enforcement activities under Operation Delta Sentinel would continue across the region.
