By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft with the discovery of two illegal refining sites containing approximately 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director Naval Information disclosed this in a statement signed on Saturday.
The operation was conducted on 13 November 2026 by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, a unit under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following credible intelligence on illegal refining activities within the Orashi Forest.
The two sites comprised one refining oven, 22 dugout pits and 4 sacks containing the suspected stolen crude oil.
The first site held approximately 1,800 litres, while the second contained an estimated 55,000 litres.
The discovered products and associated items were subsequently handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting the networks responsible for crude oil theft.
Through intelligence-driven operations, the Service continues to deny economic saboteurs access to the nation’s petroleum resources and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operational pressure on crude oil thieves and illegal refiners in support of national crude oil production, economic security and the protection of Nigeria’s maritime interests.
