RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 98,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products during an operation targeting illegal refining activities in Rivers State.
The discovery was made on October 10, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER at three illegal refining sites in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Navy on Monday, the products comprised approximately 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
The Navy disclosed that the petroleum products were found in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers spread across the three locations.
No arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before naval personnel arrived at the sites.
The discovery forms part of ongoing naval operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal petroleum refining and other unlawful activities within Nigeria’s maritime and riverine environments.
The Navy has continued surveillance and enforcement operations across oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta to identify illegal refining facilities and disrupt activities associated with petroleum theft.
