Nigerian Navy Smashes Illegal Camps, Disrupts Oil Theft Networks In Rivers and Bayelsa

Nigerian Navy Smashes Illegal Camps, Disrupts Oil Theft Networks In Rivers and Bayelsa

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recording major operational successes through coordinated actions by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER and NNS SOROH.

On 1 May 2026, personnel of NNS PATHFINDER, acting on credible

intelligence, deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) patrol team

comprising two gunboats with 20 personnel to conduct operations within

the Ahoada West general area of Rivers State. During the operation, the team uncovered and dismantled five illegal

refining sites around Egboama-Ogbogolo community.

The sites contained approximately 15 dug-out pits, storage facilities, and reservoirs laden with an estimated 85,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil, as well as 78,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Further assessment revealed that the products were being sourced from

a nearby wellhead located a few metres from the pits, although the operating company could not be immediately identified.

The illegal refining infrastructure and products were subsequently neutralised in line with established Anti-COT procedures. Suspects fled the area upon sighting naval personnel, and no arrests were made.

In a related operation, personnel of NNS SOROH, also acting on credible

intelligence, responded to the movement of suspected oil thieves towards the Soku Gas Plant pipeline corridor in Bayelsa State at about 1900 hours.

On arrival at the location, troops conducted a thorough search which led

to the discovery of equipment used for illegal pipeline connections and oil

theft, concealed within nearby bushes. Items recovered include 10 jerrycans, a 3-inch red hose measuring approximately 300 metres, a 4-inch brown hose measuring about 200 metres, and a blue pipe of about

20 metres in length.

No suspects were apprehended, as the individuals are believed to have

fled prior to the arrival of naval personnel. All recovered items were

handled in accordance with extant operational procedures.

These operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s sustained dominance

and resolve in denying economic saboteurs freedom of action within the

maritime and littoral environment. Efforts are ongoing to track and

apprehend fleeing suspects, as well as dismantle associated criminal

networks.

The Nigerian Navy remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding

Nigeria’s critical national assets and will continue to sustain aggressive

operations to ensure that the maritime domain remains hostile to criminal

elements and conducive for legitimate economic activities.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing credible

information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.