By Achile Momoh
The Nigerian Navy has disrupted two illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 58,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation took place at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According to the Navy, personnel of NNS PATHFINDER, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, carried out the operation on October 3, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspected crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the area.
The naval team discovered two illegal refining sites containing nine dugout pits, storage containers and sacks filled with products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.
The Navy said the operation disrupted the facilities used by criminal operators to store and process stolen petroleum resources.
It added that the intervention also affected the supply chain supporting illegal refining activities in the area.
The two illegal refining sites and the recovered products were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
However, no arrests were made as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval team.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation forms part of its continued efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to tackle crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Credit: Nigerian Navy
