Navy uncovers 119,850 litres of suspected stolen crude oil
The Nigerian Navy has recently seized approximately 119,850 liters of crude oil believed to be stolen from an illegal refining operation in the Ogbogolo Community of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
This discovery was made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, who acted on credible intelligence regarding the site’s location.
According to a statement from the Navy, the crude oil was located in five dugout pits at the illegal refining site. Additionally, officials recovered 350 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in six sacks, along with 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa.
The operation is part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing initiative aimed at combating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region.
No arrests were made during the operation, as the suspects reportedly fled when they noticed the approach of naval personnel.
The Navy stated that the confiscated products and suspected illicit substances would be handled in accordance with existing regulations.
This operation follows the recent conviction of nine individuals for crude oil theft by the Federal High Court in Uyo, stemming from an earlier operation conducted under the same initiative.
The Navy noted that these developments highlight the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which integrates intelligence-led actions with sustained maritime and riverine interdictions to disrupt illegal oil activities in the region.