By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Rivers State, seizing approximately 68,175 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during two separate operations in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The operations, conducted on 24 October and 7 November 2026 by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, followed credible intelligence on illegal petroleum storage and refining activities within the Orashi Forest and adjoining areas.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
During the operation on 24 October, the naval team discovered two crude oil storage sites containing four dugout pits, 29 sacks and a 25-litre keg, with an estimated total of 8,675 litres of suspected crude oil.
In a subsequent operation on 7 November, the team discovered two illegal refining sites comprising two large and 36 small dugout pits, alongside other storage facilities containing an estimated 59,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The discovered products and associated items were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The discoveries highlight the Nigerian Navy’s sustained intelligence-led efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal petroleum storage and refining infrastructure, disrupt crude oil theft networks and deny economic saboteurs access to the nation’s natural resources.
By maintaining operational pressure in identified areas of criminal activity, the Service continues to support the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Nigerian Navy said it remains resolute in sustaining the operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat crude oil theft, disrupt illegal refining activities and protect the nation’s maritime and economic interests.
