The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately 98,000 litres of petroleum products in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that the operation, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER on October 10, 2026, led to the discovery of about 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, made this known in a statement on Sunday.
The petroleum products were stored in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers across the three locations.
However, no arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval team arrived.
The Navy said the discovered sites and associated petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The operation highlights the scale of suspected illegal petroleum storage in the area and the risk of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products entering unauthorised distribution channels.
According to the Navy, the discovery and disruption of the three sites would deny suspected operators access to a substantial quantity of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.
The service 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 bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.
