The Nigerian Navy under Operation DELTA SENTINEL has sustained operational control over known illegal refining hotspots in Riverst state, thereby thwarting repeated attempts to revive demolished refinery facilities.
The development is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.
In the report, Folorunsho recalled that on July 10, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, PATHFINDER, discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites within the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. 
He observed that despite the successful operation, criminal elements attempted to reactivate the sites, prompting sustained monitoring and follow-up anti-crude oil theft operations by the navy.
“During the latest operation, NNS PATHFINDER personnel rediscovered and deactivated two reactivated illegal refining sites, recovering approximately 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“They also recovered 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, concealed in seven dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres, ” he stated.
The director of naval information further said all illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The naval spokesperson restated the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, protect critical national assets, and support Nigeria’s economic security.
