The Nigerian Navy has apprehended three individuals in connection with the vandalism of the Oando–Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Additionally, in Rivers State, naval operatives recovered a total of 288,000 litres of petroleum products after dismantling illegal refining sites at Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area and Oseokishikpa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Joint Intelligence Operation Leads to Arrests
The arrests resulted from a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit. This followed reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor. Subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, causing crude oil spillage and posing a threat to critical national energy infrastructure.
Naval spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, stated that acting on actionable intelligence, service personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at the Ondewari Community in the early hours of 12 June 2026, leading to the arrest of the three suspects. Preliminary investigations established the suspects' involvement in the vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.
Folorunsho said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations. Afterward, the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
Illegal Refining Sites Uncovered in Rivers
Folorunsho reported that anti-crude theft operations in Rivers led to the discovery of an illegal refining site containing approximately 30,000 litres of suspected illegally-sourced crude oil and 138,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). These were stored in reservoirs, refining facilities, and over 1,200 sacks strategically concealed across the area for onward distribution.
He described the refining sites at Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area as a known hotspot for illegal refining activities. Additionally, illegal refining sites comprising eight dugout pits and reservoirs containing approximately 15,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO were uncovered around the Oseokishikpa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Navy's Commitment to Protecting Infrastructure
Folorunsho said the operations underscored the Nigerian Navy's commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria's economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage. He added, “The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.”
