By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products amid sustained tempo under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recording another success against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
This was disclosed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to Folorunsho, the operation was led by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, a unit under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
“On Friday, 25 September 2026, Nigerian Navy operatives acting on credible intelligence discovered and deactivated 2 illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State,” he said.
“The operation led to the recovery of about 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil, totalling approximately 33,800 litres of petroleum products. Also discovered were 48 sacks, 3 dugout pits, 2 kegs and 3 cooking drums used for storage and processing. The perpetrators fled the area on sighting naval personnel.”
He said the latest operation is part of sustained successes recorded under Operation DELTA SENTINEL and reflects the Nigerian Navy’s strategy of persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted disruption of infrastructure and networks that sustain crude oil theft.
“The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed formations and units to maintain pressure on these criminal networks to deny them freedom of action, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and create a more secure operating environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta,” Folorunsho stated.
He added that the Nigerian Navy will continue to leverage its maritime domain awareness capabilities, credible intelligence and collaboration with relevant security agencies and host communities to consolidate these gains, integral to securing energy resources, improving crude oil production and strengthening national economic security.
