Nigerian Navy Dismantles 12 Illegal Refineries in 2026

During the first quarter of 2026, the Nigerian Navy intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering a total of 531,500 litres of illegal petroleum products and dismantling 12 illegal refineries. The operations included the destruction of four illegal storage facilities, three wooden boats, and two illegal wellhead pipelines linked to crude oil theft activities.

The Navy conducted 183 successful operations, resulting in the arrest of 18 suspects involved in maritime crime. Significant recoveries included 118,800 litres in January, 360,700 litres in February, and 52,000 litres in March.

Notably, 45,000 litres were seized in River State on January 20, and 96,000 litres were destroyed in Bayelsa State during this period. The Navy reported a 58% reduction in crude oil theft compared to the same period in 2025.

Captain Abiodun Folorunsho stated that the Navy remains committed to prosecuting suspects and protecting Nigeria's oil infrastructure.