Nigerian Navy dismantles 9 illegal oil refineries, seizes 173,000 litres in Rivers

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder has dismantled nine illegal refineries and seized 173,000 litres in Rivers, a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in Rivers State. 

In an operation on May 12, 2025, the NNS Pathfinder’s Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron Team conducted an operation in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, dismantling nine illegal refining sites and seizing approximately 173,000 litres of stolen products. 

The seized products include 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 80,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 33,000 litres of kerosene. 

The illegal refining sites, which were discovered during the operation, had 45 ovens, 30 reservoirs, and 75 dugout pits.
According to the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, the operation was successful in uncovering two wellheads technically connected with pipes, which were being used by oil thieves to siphon crude oil to their camps. 

Commodore Aniaku stated, “On 12 May 2025, the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder successfully conducted an operation against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni general area. 

“The NNS Pathfinder’s Tactical Riverine Assault Squadron Team, acting on credible intelligence, deployed personnel and assets to conduct anti-crude oil theft and illegal bunkering operations. During the operation, the team discovered two wellheads connected with pipes used for siphoning crude oil. 

“The products were handled in accordance with anti-crude oil theft procedures. No arrests were made as the perpetrators fled upon sighting the patrol team.”

The NNS Pathfinder Commander, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, commended the personnel for their bravery and stated that the Nigerian Navy, under the able leadership of Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla (Admiralty Medal), remains committed to combating crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, which pose significant threats to the nation’s economy and energy security.