The Nigerian Navy has dismantled another illegal refining operation in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State as part of ongoing efforts under Operation Delta Sentinel to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny carried out the operation following intelligence reports about suspicious activities around the Promise Land area of Bonny.
The Navy said an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team immediately launched a coordinated reconnaissance mission across nearby waterways and creeks after receiving the intelligence.
During the operation, aerial surveillance reportedly uncovered hidden refining equipment concealed beneath dense vegetation within the area.
Ground forces later confirmed the discovery of two newly established illegal refining sites strategically positioned close to the river channel.
According to the Navy, the camps contained locally fabricated cooking pots, connected pipelines, and other support structures intended for refining and transporting stolen petroleum products.
Further findings revealed that the operators were still setting up the illegal facilities and had not yet fully commenced refining activities before the operation disrupted the process.
The Nigerian Navy said the illegal refining sites were subsequently dismantled in line with operational procedures, while the area has been placed under continued surveillance to prevent future activities.
The Navy noted that the operation reflects its proactive approach of targeting and disrupting illegal refining infrastructure before criminal networks fully establish operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and curbing crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region.
