By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and disrupted two illegal refining sites at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering approximately 58,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was conducted on October 3, 2026, by personnel of NNS PATHFINDER, a unit under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the area.
The naval team discovered nine dugout pits, storage containers and sacks containing the suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined products at the two illegal refining sites.
The Navy said the operation disrupted the activities of criminal operators and denied them access to facilities used to store and process stolen petroleum resources, thereby affecting the supply chain supporting illegal refining in the area.
The two illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
No arrest was made during the operation as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the arrival of the naval team.
