The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 68,175 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal storage and refining sites in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discoveries were made during two separate operations conducted on October 24 and November 7, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operations followed credible intelligence reports on illegal petroleum storage and refining activities within the Orashi Forest and adjoining communities.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the first operation on October 24 led to the discovery of two crude oil storage locations containing four dugout pits, 29 sacks and a 25-litre keg.
The facilities were estimated to contain 8,675 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
During the second operation on November 7, naval personnel uncovered two illegal refining sites comprising two large and 36 smaller dugout pits, alongside other storage facilities containing an estimated 59,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The Navy said the recovered petroleum products and associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures.
It explained that the discoveries demonstrated its sustained intelligence-led efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal petroleum storage and refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and deny economic saboteurs access to the nation’s natural resources.
The Service added that maintaining operational pressure on identified hotspots remained critical to protecting vital oil and gas infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat crude oil theft, disrupt illegal refining activities and protect the country’s maritime and economic interests.
