ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites containing about 98,000 litres of petroleum products in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on October 10, 2026, during an operation conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER, according to a statement by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.
The Navy said the sites contained approximately 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
The products were stored in about 12 dugout pits and containers across the three locations.
No arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval team arrived.
The Navy said the sites and recovered products were handled in line with established procedures, although the statement did not provide further details about their disposal.
The discovery highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt suspected crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, where illicit storage and distribution pose challenges to the petroleum sector.
According to the Navy, intelligence-led patrols and operations will continue to identify illegal refining facilities, disrupt the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products, and support efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.
Source: Nigerian Navy
