The Nigerian Navy has recovered 33,800 litres of petroleum products from two illegal refining sites in Rivers State as part of its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
The operation was carried out on Friday, September 25, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence on activities at Ogbogolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval personnel discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites during the operation.
The statement said the operation led to the recovery of approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil.
Other items recovered from the sites included 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums allegedly used in the storage and processing of the illegally refined products.
The Navy said the suspected operators abandoned the sites and fled after sighting the naval personnel.
It described the operation as part of the sustained efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to disrupt the networks and infrastructure supporting crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
“The latest operation is part of the sustained successes recorded under Operation DELTA SENTINEL and reflects the Nigerian Navy’s strategy of persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted disruption of the infrastructure and networks that sustain crude oil theft,” the statement said.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has consequently directed formations and units to maintain pressure on criminal networks involved in oil theft and illegal refining.
According to the Navy, the directive is aimed at denying the perpetrators freedom of action, protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and creating a safer environment for legitimate economic activities across the Niger Delta.
The service said it would continue to deploy maritime domain awareness capabilities, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to sustain the gains recorded under the operation.
“These efforts are integral to the Navy’s contribution towards securing Nigeria’s energy resources, improving crude oil production and strengthening national economic security,” the statement added.
