Navy uncovers illegal refining site in Rivers, recovers 119,850 litres of crude oil

The troops of the Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, have recovered 119,850 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The naval officers also recovered 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), fondly called diesel, and 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis Sativa at the illegal refining site.

The Navy spokesperson, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Folorunsho said the discovery was made on Thursday, September 17, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the location.

Folorunsho said the suspected stolen crude oil was found in five dugout pits, while the suspected illegally refined diesel was recovered in six sacks.

He noted that no arrest was made as the suspects fled on sighting the naval personnel.

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“The recovered products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations,” Folorunsho added.

Folorunsho said the latest success comes shortly after the conviction of nine crude oil thieves by the Federal High Court in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, following their arrest during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

He added that the development highlighted the growing impact of the operation, which combines sustained maritime and riverine interdictions with intelligence-led action to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.