Navy Uncovers 31 Illegal Refining Pits, Recovers 62,050 Litres in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 31 dugout pits containing about 62,050 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.

The discovery was made on 8 September 2026 during an anti-crude oil theft operation in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, discovered two suspected illegal refining sites within the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area.

The statement said the operation led to the recovery of approximately 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel.

The naval team also recovered six sacks and one keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined diesel.

It added that the sites were handled in accordance with extant regulations, while no arrest was made as the suspects fled upon sighting the naval personnel.

The Navy said Operation DELTA SENTINEL had recorded several operational successes since its inception, reinforcing its commitment to combating illegal refining and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to the statement, the operation is aimed at denying perpetrators access to facilities used to store and process petroleum products, while safeguarding Nigeria’s oil resources and economic interests.