By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State, dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and uncovering 68,175 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during two separate operations in the state.
The operations, conducted on October 24 and November 7, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeted illegal petroleum storage and refining activities in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the first operation on October 24 led to the discovery of two crude oil storage sites containing four dugout pits, 29 sacks and a 25-litre keg, with an estimated 8,675 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The statement disclosed that a follow-up operation on November 7 resulted in the discovery of two illegal refining sites comprising two large and 36 small dugout pits, alongside other storage facilities containing an estimated 59,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The discoveries brought the total volume of suspected stolen crude oil identified during the two operations to approximately 68,175 litres.
The Navy said the recovered products and associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures, adding that the operations were part of its sustained intelligence-led campaign to dismantle illegal petroleum storage and refining infrastructure and disrupt crude oil theft networks.
It noted that the continued operational pressure on identified criminal hotspots was aimed at denying economic saboteurs access to the nation’s natural resources while strengthening the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the crackdown in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat crude oil theft, disrupt illegal refining activities and safeguard the country’s maritime and economic interests.
