Navy recovers 33,800 litres of petroleum products in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and stolen crude oil following an operation against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State.
The products were recovered on Friday, September 25, 2026, when personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, raided two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted following credible intelligence, led to 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 quantity of petroleum products recovered to about 33,800 litres.
The naval personnel also discovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums reportedly used for storing and processing the illegally obtained petroleum products.
The Navy said the suspected operators fled the area upon sighting the personnel, while the illegal refining sites were subsequently deactivated.
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The operation forms part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt crude oil theft, illegal refining and the networks supporting the illicit trade across the Niger Delta.
The Navy said the latest operation underscores its reliance on persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted action against infrastructure used to sustain oil theft and illegal refining.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed formations and units to sustain pressure on criminal networks involved in the activities, with the aim of denying them freedom of action and protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure in the region.
The Navy said it would continue to strengthen maritime domain awareness, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to consolidate gains against oil theft.
According to the service, the efforts are also aimed at protecting Nigeria’s energy resources, supporting increased crude oil production and strengthening national economic security.
The statement was signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
