By ZAKAA LAZARUS
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, on 10 October 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director Naval Information.
He said the operation by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER led to the discovery of about 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers.
No arrest was made as the suspected operators fled before the naval team arrived. The sites and associated products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The discovery, he said, highlights the scale of illicit petroleum storage in the area and the risk of these products entering unlawful distribution channels. By disrupting storage at three locations, the operation denied suspected operators access to a substantial volume of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.
“The Nigerian Navy will sustain intelligence-led patrols and operations to identify illegal refining facilities, disrupt the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products and support efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law,” he said.
