Nigerian Navy Disrupts Illegal Refining Sites in Rivers State

On September 6, 2026, the Nigerian Navy seized two illegal refining sites in Egbema‑Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, recovering about 33,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. The operation, led by NNS PATHFINDER and commanded by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, uncovered dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs used in clandestine refining. This follows a similar intervention on August 28, 2026, and highlights ongoing naval efforts to curb illicit petroleum activities in the region. The Nigerian Navy has disrupted the operations of two illegal refining sites in Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering approximately 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil . The operation was conducted on September 6, 2026, by the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER, according to a statement by the Naval Spokesman, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho. Folorunsho said the operation uncovered eight dugout pits, sacks and reservoirs linked to the illegal refining activities. He said the recovered products and affected sites were subsequently handled in line with established procedures. The Naval spokesman said the operation was significant given repeated attempts by illegal refiners to revive their activities in the area. UNIBEN Lecturers Get Half August Salary As Anxiety Mounts He noted that the latest intervention followed an earlier operation on August 28, 2026, during which two illegal refining sites were also disrupted. According to him, sustained naval pressure was constraining the ability of the operators to re-establish and maintain their illicit refining activities. 'No arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team,' Folorunsho said. We've got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don't settle for stale news. JoinNigerians can invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and earn about ₦17-25Million. Earnings in USD. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it worksTarkaa David is a Senior Reporter at Leadership Newspaper with 10 years of journalism experience, specialising in defence and security reporting. He is known for clear, informed, and reliable coverage of these sensitive beats. He shares insights on X at @ShimaTalks.