By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 68,175 litres of suspected stolen crude oil from two separate operations targeting crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State.
The discoveries were made on October 24 and November 7, 2026, at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operations followed credible intelligence about illegal petroleum storage and refining activities within the Orashi Forest and surrounding areas.
During the October 24 operation, naval personnel discovered two crude oil storage locations containing four dugout pits, 29 sacks and a 25-litre keg.
The facilities reportedly contained an estimated 8,675 litres of suspected crude oil.
In a follow-up operation on November 7, the Navy uncovered two additional illegal refining sites with two large and 36 smaller dugout pits, alongside other storage facilities.
The second operation led to the discovery of approximately 59,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
Combined, the two operations resulted in the discovery of 68,175 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The Navy said the recovered petroleum products and associated materials were handled in line with established procedures.
It explained that the operations formed part of its intelligence-led efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal petroleum storage and refining facilities, disrupt crude oil theft networks and prevent the exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The Service added that sustained pressure on identified areas of criminal activity was necessary to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat crude oil theft, tackle illegal refining and protect Nigeria’s maritime and economic interests.
Source: Nigerian Navy, statement by the Director of Naval Information, as reported by SINL Nigeria.
