Navy Discovers 99,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude, Illegal AGO in Rivers, Delta

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, uncovering three suspected illegal refining sites, six reservoirs and approximately 99,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers and Delta states.

The discoveries were made during separate operations conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and NNS DELTA on August 31, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum activities.

Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folarunsho, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operations also uncovered various illegal refining infrastructure, including a large refining oven, storage facilities and dugout reservoirs containing suspected stolen crude oil.

According to him, the latest operations represent a significant disruption to criminal activities associated with crude oil theft and illegal refining, particularly the infrastructure used for the storage and processing of stolen petroleum products.

He said the identified sites, facilities and recovered products had been appropriately handled in accordance with established procedures.

Folarunsho said the latest operational successes demonstrated the Nigerian Navy's sustained capacity to maintain pressure on criminal networks operating across the country's oil-producing areas.

He added that the discoveries would further deny oil thieves and illegal refiners access to the infrastructure required to sustain their illicit activities.

The Nigerian Navy has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other maritime crimes as part of efforts to protect Nigeria's oil and gas resources and safeguard national revenue.