The Nigerian Navy has uncovered about 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and dismantled two illegal refining sites in the Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation was carried out on November 13, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following intelligence on illegal refining activities in the Orashi Forest.
The Navy’s Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to him, the operatives discovered one refining oven, 22 dugout pits, and four sacks containing suspected stolen crude oil at the two locations.
He said the first site contained approximately 1,800 litres of crude oil, while the second held an estimated 55,000 litres, bringing the total recovery to about 56,800 litres.
The Navy said the recovered products and equipment were handled in line with established procedures for tackling crude oil theft and illegal refining.
It described the operation as part of its sustained efforts to dismantle illegal refining facilities, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and protect the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against crude oil thieves and illegal refiners to safeguard national petroleum resources, boost economic security, and support Nigeria’s crude oil production.4
