Nigerian Navy Discovers Major Illegal Refinery in Rivers

A joint operation by the Nigerian Navy and the Federal Government Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Theft uncovered a 40,000-litre illegal refinery in Bonny Island, Rivers State. The facility was located deep within the creeks and was discovered following actionable intelligence coordinated by the Joint Intelligence Monitoring Team.

Captain Stanley Umeh, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, stated this was the largest discovery since he took command in March 2026. Unlike previous illegal refineries, this facility was still in the preparatory stage, indicating a potential for large-scale crude oil theft.

Umeh emphasized the importance of this discovery in combating crude oil theft and increasing Nigeria's crude oil production. He assured residents of intensified surveillance and patrols in the area, declaring a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities.

Omar John Sini, Head of Investigation of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, noted that the success was due to collaboration among various security and law enforcement agencies.