The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products and deactivated two illegal refining sites in Rivers State as part of sustained operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
The operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence on activities linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining.
According to a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval personnel on Friday, September 25, 2026, discovered the two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to about 33,800 litres.
The troops also discovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums reportedly used for the storage and processing of the illegally refined products.
The Navy said the suspected perpetrators fled the area after sighting the naval personnel, while the illegal refining sites were subsequently deactivated.
The latest operation forms part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft, illegal refining and the networks supporting such activities across the Niger Delta.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed naval formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks involved in oil theft and related activities.
The Navy said the directive is aimed at denying the criminal networks freedom of action, protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and creating a safer environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta.
It added that it would continue to employ maritime domain awareness capabilities, intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to combat threats to Nigeria’s energy resources.
According to the Navy, the ongoing operations are part of its broader contribution to securing the nation’s oil and gas assets, supporting increased crude oil production and strengthening Nigeria’s economic security.
