Navy discovers 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at illegal refining sites in Rivers – EnviroNews

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The Nigerian Navy has sustained the offensive against approximately 56,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil theft with the discovery of two illegal refining sites containing crude oil in Rivers.

Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, in an operational report on Saturday, November 14, 2026, disclosed that the operation was conducted on Friday, around Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.

According to him, the operation was conducted 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 four 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,” he said.

Folorunsho added that the operation underscored navy’s sustained commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting 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,” he said.

He reaffirmed Navy’s commitment to 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.

By Kennedy Sheyin