By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products from two illegal refining sites in Rivers State as it intensifies operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, made the recovery on Friday, September 25, 2026, following credible intelligence.
The naval personnel discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil.
The operation also led to the discovery of 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums used for the storage and processing of the illegally obtained petroleum products.
The statement said the suspected perpetrators fled the area upon sighting the naval personnel.
The latest operation, according to the Navy, forms part of the sustained operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at disrupting crude oil theft and illegal refining networks across the Niger Delta.
The Navy said the operation reflects its strategy of persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted disruption of the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft and illegal refining.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks in order to deny them freedom of action, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and create a more secure environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta.
The Navy further stated that it would continue to leverage maritime domain awareness, credible intelligence and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to consolidate gains in the fight against crude oil theft.
According to the statement, the efforts are aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy resources, supporting improved crude oil production and strengthening national economic security.
