By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has raided an illegal oil refining location in Rivers State, uncovering approximately 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and disrupting two illegal refining sites in an operation aimed at curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The operation, conducted on November 13, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, followed credible intelligence on illegal refining activities within the Orashi Forest in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
During the operation, the naval personnel discovered one refining oven, 22 dugout pits and four sacks containing suspected stolen crude oil.
While the first illegal refining site contained an estimated 1,800 litres of crude oil, the second held approximately 55,000 litres, bringing the total volume discovered to about 56,800 litres.
The Navy said the recovered petroleum products and associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures for anti-crude oil theft operations.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation reflects the Service’s sustained efforts to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt criminal networks involved in the theft of the nation’s crude oil.
The statement noted that the Navy would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to deny economic saboteurs access to Nigeria’s petroleum resources and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure.
It added that the Service remained committed to sustaining operational pressure on crude oil thieves and illegal refiners in support of national crude oil production, economic security and the protection of the country’s maritime interests.
