The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 98,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at three suspected illegal refining sites in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on October 10, 2026, during an operation conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation Delta Sentinel.
According to a press statement issued 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 reportedly stored in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers across the three locations.
The Navy said no arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators had fled before the naval team arrived.
It added that the discovered sites and associated petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The operation, according to the Navy, highlights the scale of suspected illicit petroleum storage in the area and the potential risk of the products entering illegal distribution channels.
The Navy noted that the disruption of the three suspected sites had denied the operators access to a substantial quantity of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led patrols and operations aimed at identifying illegal refining facilities, disrupting the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products, and supporting efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.
