By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 31 dugout pits containing about 62,050 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made during an anti-crude oil theft operation by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, according to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
The operation, conducted on September 8, targeted two suspected illegal refining sites in the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area.
The Navy said its personnel recovered approximately 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Six sacks and one keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined diesel were also recovered.
Suspects Flee as Navy Raids Illegal Refining Sites
According to the statement, no arrests were made during the operation because the suspects fled after sighting the naval personnel.
The Navy said the discovered sites were handled in accordance with applicable regulations as part of efforts to disrupt illegal refining activities and prevent operators from using such locations to store or process petroleum products.
Navy Intensifies Crackdown on Oil Theft
Operation DELTA SENTINEL is aimed at dismantling illegal refining networks and denying oil thieves access to facilities used in their illicit activities.
The Navy said the operation had recorded multiple raids against illegal refining activities since its commencement, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil resources and economic interests.
Crude oil theft and illegal refining remain major concerns in the Niger Delta, where illicit petroleum operations threaten legitimate economic activities and pose environmental risks to surrounding communities.
The latest discovery adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt illegal oil-related activities in Rivers State and other parts of the Niger Delta.
