The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major operational breakthrough under Operation Delta Sentinel, dismantling an extensive illegal oil refining and storage network spanning Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, with an estimated value exceeding ₦600 million.
In a statement issued on April 18, 2026, the Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the coordinated operations were carried out on April 17, targeting key hotspots linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
According to the statement, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, acting on credible intelligence, deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft team to the Egboama/Ogbogolo area in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, along the Rivers–Bayelsa boundary corridor. Despite difficult terrain, the team executed a combined land and water operation, uncovering multiple illegal refining sites equipped with dugout pits, ovens, reservoirs, and storage facilities.
A detailed assessment revealed about 103,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 190,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The crude oil was valued at over ₦91 million, while the AGO was estimated at over ₦342 million, bringing the total value of discoveries in the area to over ₦433 million.
In a related operation in Delta State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA uncovered and dismantled a concealed crude oil storage facility at Bennett Island. The site, connected to a buried pipeline through an improvised hose system, contained approximately 78,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil valued at about ₦69 million, alongside equipment used for illegal siphoning.
All illegal refining infrastructure and storage facilities were destroyed at the sites in line with operational procedures, while recovered products were handled accordingly. Suspected perpetrators reportedly fled upon sighting naval personnel.
The Navy noted that the operations highlight its intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft across multiple operational areas, as well as sustain the gains of Operation Delta Sentinel, which was recently extended by 90 days.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended the efforts of participating units and urged the Commander Task Group, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, to intensify operations against criminal networks sabotaging the nation’s oil resources.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical oil infrastructure, preserving the maritime environment, and securing Nigeria’s economic assets.
