Navy Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Refining, Recovers 33,000 Litres of AGO in Rivers
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining activities in Rivers State, disrupting two illegal refining sites and recovering approximately 33,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on September 7, 2026, following an operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER on September 6.
According to the statement, the naval operation uncovered eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs allegedly associated with the illegal refining activities in the area.
The Navy said the two sites were subsequently handled, alongside the recovered products, in accordance with established procedures.
The latest operation is part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy to frustrate illegal refining networks operating in the oil-producing region and prevent operators from rebuilding their illicit facilities after previous military interventions.
The Navy noted that the latest action was particularly significant given repeated attempts by illegal refiners to revive their activities in the area.
It recalled that naval personnel had earlier disrupted two illegal refining sites in the same area on August 28, 2026, adding that continued pressure was increasingly constraining the ability of operators to re-establish and sustain their illegal refining operations.
“No arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team,” the statement said.
The Navy reiterated its resolve to sustain operations aimed at disrupting illegal refining activities and denying criminal operators the opportunity to exploit Nigeria’s oil resources through illicit means.
The recovered products and equipment were handled in line with established procedures, the Navy said.
