Nigerian Navy Foils Fresh Bid To Revive Illegal Refining Network, Deactivates Four Sites? 77,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude In Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has sustained pressure on crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, frustratingp another attempt by economic saboteurs to reactivate previously dismantled illegal refining infrastructure in Rivers State.

The operation was conducted on 31 May 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following intelligence reports indicating renewed activities at illegal refining sites around the Egboama/Ogbogolo axis of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Acting on the intelligence, the anti-crude oil theft team executed a coordinated operation supported by aerial surveillance and riverine mobility assets to access the difficult creek terrain. Drone reconnaissance subsequently revealed multiple illegal refining locations concealed within the area.

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Exploitation of the sites led to the discovery of four illegal refining sites comprising refining ovens, dugout pits, and storage facilities containing an estimated 77,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. Investigations further revealed evidence of ongoing efforts by criminal elements to rebuild refining infrastructure that had previously been dismantled during earlier enforcement operations.

The operation resulted in the deactivation of four illegal refining sites, including three refining ovens, two dugout pits, and a reservoir used to support illegal refining activities within the area.

The latest discovery underscores the persistence of crude oil theft syndicates in attempting to regenerate illicit operations despite repeated enforcement actions. It also highlights the effectiveness of sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid-response operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

Nigerian Navy

All identified sites and products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, denying criminal elements access to resources intended to sustain economic sabotage.

The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining infrastructure, protecting critical national assets, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests across the Niger Delta.

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Signed

AA FOLORUNSHO

Captain (Nigerian Navy)

Director Naval Information

Kano Governor Yusuf Merges Water, Environment Ministries

Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf has merged the Ministries of Water Resources and Environment and Climate Change into the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

This was announced in a circular signed by the secretary to the state government, Umar Faruq-Ibrahim, on Monday. He said the decision is part of ongoing efforts to enhance administrative efficiency, improve policy coordination, and optimise resource utilisation in the management of environment and water-related matters in the state.

Mr Faruq-Ibrahim said the new ministry would operate two directorates to ensure effective service delivery and maintain sectoral focus.

He listed the directorates as Water Resources and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

“Each directorate shall be headed by a permanent secretary, and both shall report directly to the Commissioner of the ministry.

“All departments, agencies, and units previously under the defunct ministries are hereby directed to realign their operations, reporting structure, and correspondences in accordance with this new arrangement,” he said.

According to Mr Faruq-Ibrahim, the transition process is effective immediately, adding that relevant stakeholders are expected to fully cooperate to ensure seamless integration.

He said further guidelines on operational modalities would be communicated in due course.

Dahir Muhammad-Hashim, the new ministry’s commissioner, expressed readiness to deliver on the assigned tasks.

Abba Yusuf

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me to lead this newly integrated ministry and drive the realisation of its mandate in service to the people of Kano state.

“I am fully conscious that this is not an easy responsibility, bringing together two vital sectors with distinct but interconnected mandates requires commitment, coordination, and hard work,” Mr Hashim said. “We will continue to work diligently to improve environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and water resource management in line with the development vision of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf.”

He reiterated his commitment to a seamless transition to strengthen service delivery in the sectors.
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State Performance Index: Abia State Jumps 26 Places To 10th As Lagos Retains Top Spot

Abia State recorded the biggest improvement in the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), rising 26 places from 36th position in 2024 to 10th in the latest ranking released by Phillips Consulting.

The report ranked Lagos as Nigeria’s best-performing state, followed by Ogun and Kaduna, while Adamawa and Niger completed the top five.

According to Phillips Consulting, Abia’s rise was the most significant movement in the 2025 assessment, while Niger climbed from 29th position to fifth, and Adamawa moved from 26th to fourth.

Lagos retained its position at the top of the ranking amid continued strength across key governance and economic indicators, while Ogun and Kaduna maintained places among the country’s highest-performing states.

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Nasarawa (sixth), Gombe (seventh), Jigawa (eighth), Plateau (ninth) and Abia (10th) completed the top 10 list in the assessment.

In contrast, Bayelsa and Kano recorded some of the sharpest declines in the ranking.

The report showed that Bayelsa fell from sixth place in 2024 to 29th in 2025, while Kano dropped from seventh to 30th position.

Phillips Consulting said the 2025 edition introduced a revised methodology designed to place greater emphasis on measurable outcomes and objective performance indicators.

“The revised methodology places greater emphasis on measurable outcomes and transparency, rewarding states that demonstrate stronger fiscal health, governance, service delivery and economic performance,” the report said.

Phillips Consulting described the index as a tool for measuring governance effectiveness and identifying areas requiring policy intervention.

“The pSPI is not merely a ranking exercise; it is a strategic tool for diagnosing performance gaps, identifying best practices, and guiding reforms that improve citizens’ quality of life,” the report said.

‘RESPONDENTS UNAWARE OF SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMMES TARGETED AT RESIDENTS’

The report also pointed to persistent governance and citizen-engagement challenges across many states.

In several states assessed, large proportions of respondents said they were unaware of projects being implemented by local governments or socioeconomic programmes targeted at residents.

According to the consulting firm, 82 percent of respondents in Kogi said they were unaware of projects at the local government level, while 83 percent said they were unaware of socioeconomic programmes.

The report described the situation as a “major challenge” for grassroots governance in the state.

Similarly, in Kwara, 84 percent of respondents said they were unaware of projects at the local government level and 88 percent said they were unaware of socioeconomic programmes.

The report said the findings pointed to weak grassroots governance participation.

Phillips Consulting said the index is intended to provide policymakers with a transparent benchmark for evaluating state performance and encouraging competition among subnational governments.

“The 2025 edition introduces a stronger emphasis on measurable outcomes and objective data,” the report said.

The company added that the framework seeks to improve accountability and support evidence-based policymaking.

Alex Otti

At the bottom of the ranking, Kogi placed 35th, while Borno ranked 36th.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was excluded from the assessment because its audited financial statement was unavailable.

According to Phillips Consulting, the absence of the document made a comprehensive evaluation of the territory’s fiscal performance impossible. Eereporter.com