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, following two intelligence-led operations.
The discoveries were made on October 24 and November 7, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operations followed credible intelligence about illegal petroleum storage and refining activities within the Orashi Forest and adjoining areas.
According to him, the first operation, conducted on October 24, led to the discovery of two crude oil storage sites 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.
Folorunsho said a subsequent operation on November 7 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 discoveries brought the estimated quantity of suspected stolen crude oil identified in the two operations to 68,175 litres.
The Navy spokesman said the petroleum products and associated items discovered at the sites were handled in accordance with established procedures.
He explained that the operations formed part of the Navy’s sustained intelligence-led efforts under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle illegal petroleum storage and refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the country’s natural resources.
Folorunsho added that the Navy would sustain operational pressure in identified areas of criminal activity to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
In a related development, a further operation by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, on November 5 reportedly uncovered approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at three illegal refining sites in Awokiri Community, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation reportedly led to the discovery of 16 dugout pits, nine of which contained about 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while another 2,000 litres were found in a storage tank. Naval personnel also identified pits containing water and freshly excavated ones, suggesting attempts to establish additional illegal refining facilities.
The latest discoveries bring the combined volume of suspected stolen crude oil uncovered in the three operations across Rivers State to approximately 185,175 litres.
The Navy said it remained committed to sustaining its operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat crude oil theft, disrupt illegal refining activities and protect the nation’s maritime and economic interests.
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