By Saminu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered two illegal refining sites containing approximately 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation was carried out on November 13, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence on illegal refining activities in the Orashi Forest.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation led to the discovery of two illegal refining sites comprising one refining oven, 22 dugout pits and four sacks containing suspected stolen crude oil.
According to him, the first site contained approximately 1,800 litres of suspected stolen crude, while the second held an estimated 55,000 litres, bringing the total recovered quantity to about 56,800 litres.
He said the discovered products and associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures for combating crude oil theft.
Folorunsho said the operation underscored the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting networks responsible for crude oil theft.
He added that the Navy would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to deny economic saboteurs access to the nation’s petroleum resources and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The naval spokesman reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to sustain operational pressure on crude oil thieves and illegal refiners in support of national crude oil production, economic security and the protection of Nigeria’s maritime interests.
