Navy Recovers 85,300 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers

According to the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the latest operation was conducted in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of the state, where personnel uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft.

During the operation, the naval personnel recovered approximately 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil, concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs.

The Navy said the development came only days after similar illegal refining infrastructure was discovered and deactivated within the same general area, indicating repeated attempts by criminal elements to revive illicit operations despite sustained military pressure.

The recurring discoveries, according to the Service, underscore the importance of maintaining a strong operational presence in identified crude oil theft hotspots across the Niger Delta.

The Navy noted that its sustained operations were denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to establish and maintain illegal refining networks, while contributing to the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure and safeguarding national economic interests.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, curbing crude oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s maritime and energy assets through sustained operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.