By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 12 dugout pits and containers containing 98,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The discovery was made on October 10, 2026, when personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, operating under Operation Delta Sentinel, uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the discovery of about 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
The petroleum products were stored in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers across the three locations, highlighting the scale of suspected illegal petroleum storage in the area.
The Navy disclosed that no arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.
It added that the sites and associated petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The statement noted that the discovery underscored the risk of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products finding their way into unlawful distribution channels.
By disrupting the storage facilities at the three locations, the operation denied the suspected operators access to a substantial volume of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led patrols and operations to identify illegal refining facilities, disrupt the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products, and support efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.
