Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Refinery In Rivers, Destroys Storage Tanks

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy has dismantled illegal refining site in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State and destroyed associated equipment, including three large storage tanks.

Navy said operation was carried out through Forward Operating Base, FOB BONNY, at Promise Land Community along Nanabie Creek, Bonny, further denying criminal operators infrastructure required to process stolen crude oil.

According to press statement signed by Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, site was discovered on September 30, 2026 following credible intelligence and comprised one large cooking pot and three large storage tanks intended for illegal refining activities.

On October 2, 2026, Commanding Officer, FOB BONNY, Captain SMC Umeh, led team to location, where illegal refining site and associated equipment were destroyed in accordance with established regulations.

Navy said intervention represents further disruption of illegal refining capacity within Bonny area, particularly by removing infrastructure that could be used to process and store stolen crude oil.

It also follows recent operations by FOB BONNY under Operation DELTA SENTINEL that uncovered substantial volumes of suspected stolen crude oil and associated illegal refining infrastructure within its Area of Operation.

Nigerian Navy said it has continued to strengthen surveillance and monitoring across area to prevent establishment or reactivation of illegal refining sites and deny criminal operators infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft and related activities.