The operation was carried out on August 22, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder following credible intelligence around the Ohaji axis of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Three illegal refining sites were reportedly uncovered during the operation.
The Navy also recovered 12 dugout pits, sacks, reservoirs containing the suspected products and two pumping machines.
Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the latest operation came barely a week after NNS Pathfinder disrupted two illegal refining sites in the same general area.
“The successive interventions have constrained efforts to rebuild illegal refining infrastructure, with a noticeable decline in the reactivation of such sites,” he said.
According to him, the illegal refining sites, recovered products and equipment were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrest was made because the suspected operators had fled before the arrival of the naval personnel.
Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the impact of sustained military pressure on infrastructure supporting illegal refining and crude oil theft.
He said the Navy would continue Operation Delta Sentinel to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, disrupt economic sabotage and create a secure environment for legitimate production and investment.
© 2026, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.