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Theft

Nigerian Navy Destroys Five Illegal Refining Sites, Seizes Suspected Stolen Crude Oil

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder has carried out an operation against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, resulting in the destruction of five illegal refining sites. The operation, which was conducted by the NNS Pathfinder Tactical Team on June 14, 2025, led to the discovery of 62 ovens, 21 reservoirs, and 55 dugout pits containing approximately 50,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The sites also contained 83,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 20,000 litres of refined kerosene.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder destroyed five illegal refining sites in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
  • The sites contained 62 ovens, 21 reservoirs, and 55 dugout pits with approximately 50,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
  • The sites also held 83,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 20,000 litres of refined kerosene.
  • The operation was conducted by the NNS Pathfinder Tactical Team on June 14, 2025.
  • The Nigerian Navy remains committed to combating crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, which pose significant threats to the nation's economy and energy security.
  • The leader of the Nigerian Navy, Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has emphasized the importance of addressing these threats.
  • The exact amount of oil seized during the operation was approximately 113,000 litres.

Statistics:

  • 5 illegal refining sites were destroyed by the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder.
  • 62 ovens were discovered at the illegal refining sites.
  • 21 reservoirs were discovered at the illegal refining sites.
  • 55 dugout pits containing approximately 50,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were discovered.
  • 83,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were seized.
  • 20,000 litres of refined kerosene were seized.
  • 113,000 litres of oil were seized in total during the operation.

Sources:

  • Statement from Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder
  • So This Happened (EP310)

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