Nigerian Navy Recovers Over 126,000 Litres of Stolen Petroleum Products in Rivers Anti-Oil Theft Operation

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in Rivers State, recovering more than 126,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products during sustained operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation targeted persistent attempts by crude oil theft syndicates to reactivate illegal refining sites previously dismantled by the Navy.

The Navy recalled that on July 10, 2026, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated several illegal refining sites in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Despite the successful raid, criminal elements reportedly returned to restore operations at the sites.

Following intelligence led surveillance and sustained anti-crude oil theft operations, NNS PATHFINDER personnel revisited the area and uncovered two reactivated illegal refining camps. 

During the operation, the troops recovered about 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), hidden in seven dugout pits and reservoirs.

The Navy said the latest seizure brings the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres.

It noted that the operation underscores its resolve to prevent oil thieves from reestablishing illegal refining infrastructure and maintaining operational control over known crude oil theft hotspots.

The statement added that all recovered products and dismantled facilities were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining networks, disrupt crude oil theft syndicates, safeguard critical national assets, and enhance Nigeria's economic security.

Caption: Operation DELTA SENTINEL: Nigerian Navy recovers over 126,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined products as it dismantles reactivated illegal refining sites in Rivers State.