By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 119,850 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen during an operation at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL on September 17, 2026, also led to the recovery of 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH carried out the operation following credible intelligence on activities at the illegal refining site.
The suspected stolen crude oil was discovered in five dugout pits, while the suspected illegally refined AGO was recovered in six sacks.
The Navy said no arrest was made as the suspects fled upon sighting the naval personnel. It added that the recovered petroleum products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The latest interception comes shortly after the conviction of nine crude oil thieves by the Federal High Court in Uyo following their arrest during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The Navy said the successive operational gains demonstrate the impact of sustained maritime and riverine interdictions, combined with intelligence-led operations, in disrupting crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
It added that Operation DELTA SENTINEL is also focused on degrading the infrastructure supporting the illicit petroleum trade and strengthening the process from detection and interdiction through prosecution and conviction.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other criminal activities across the Niger Delta.
