By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered two suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately 62,050 litres of petroleum products in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on September 8, 2026, during an anti-crude oil theft operation conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation led to the discovery of 31 dugout pits containing about 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
The naval team also recovered six sacks and a keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined diesel.
The sites, located within the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area, were handled in accordance with established regulations.
However, no arrest was made as the suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the naval personnel.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement, noting that Operation DELTA SENTINEL had recorded several breakthroughs in efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
He said the operation remained committed to dismantling illegal refining networks and denying perpetrators access to facilities used for storing and processing petroleum products.
According to him, the operations are part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to protect the country’s oil resources and safeguard its economic interests.
