Nigerian Navy Destroys Nine Illegal Refineries in Rivers, Seizes 175,000 Litres of Stolen Products

NNS Pathfinder Storms Rivers Community, Shuts Down Nine Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian Navy, through its NNS Pathfinder unit, has carried out a major anti-bunkering operation in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, destroying nine illegal refining sites and confiscating approximately 175,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The operation, which took place on May 12, 2025, followed credible intelligence that led the Navy’s Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron Team to the heavily fortified illegal refining camps.

According to a statement signed by Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of NNS Pathfinder, the illegal sites consisted of:

• 45 ovens used in refining crude oil

• 30 reservoirs storing refined products

• 75 dugout pits containing illegal crude and by-products

“The team discovered two wellheads connected with pipes used for siphoning crude oil. These were immediately dismantled,” Aniaku said.

The breakdown of the seized products includes:

• 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil

• 80,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel)

• 33,000 litres of kerosene

The operation was carried out in line with standard anti-crude oil theft protocols. However, no arrests were made as the suspects fled the scene upon detecting naval presence.

Commodore Aniaku commended his men for their dedication, emphasizing the Navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla to combat the menace of oil theft and its threat to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to secure our waterways and protect national assets,” Aniaku declared.

Why It Matters:

Oil theft and illegal refining continue to drain billions from Nigeria’s economy, damage the environment, and fuel insecurity. Operations like this signal a renewed resolve by the Navy to stem the tide.