RismadarVoice Reporters
November 15, 2026
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil an dismantled two illegal refining sites in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, conducted on November 13, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation Delta Sentinel, followed intelligence reports about suspected illegal refining activities in the Orashi Forest.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to Folorunsho, naval personnel discovered two illegal refining sites containing one refining oven, 22 dugout pits and four sacks of suspected stolen crude oil.
He explained that the first location contained an estimated 1,800 litres of crude oil, while approximately 55,000 litres were discovered at the second site.
The combined quantity was estimated at 56,800 litres.
Folorunsho said the petroleum products and equipment discovered during the operation were handled in accordance with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He described the operation as part of the Navy’s continuing efforts to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt networks involved in the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
The naval spokesperson maintained that intelligence-led operations remained central to the service’s strategy for identifying suspected illegal refining locations and protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The latest discovery follows earlier operations in Rivers State targeting suspected crude oil theft and illegal petroleum processing.
On November 7, naval personnel uncovered approximately 59,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at two illegal refining sites in the same Ogbogolo community.
Another operation on November 11 in Okarki community, also in Ahoada West, resulted in the discovery of approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.
The repeated discoveries highlight the continuing challenge of illegal refining activities in parts of the Niger Delta, where crude oil theft poses risks to petroleum infrastructure, public revenue and the environment.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining operations against suspected oil thieves and illegal refiners.
He said the service would continue deploying intelligence-driven measures to prevent unauthorised access to petroleum resources and protect facilities supporting national oil production.
The Navy also maintained that its operations would support Nigeria’s economic security and maritime interests.
No arrests were announced in connection with the November 13 operation.
