Navy Uncovers 98,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Oil in Rivers

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 98,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at three suspected illegal refining sites in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The discovery was made during an operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation Delta Sentinel.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the operation led to the discovery of about 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.

The petroleum products were stored in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers across the three locations.

The statement disclosed that no arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators fled before the naval team arrived at the sites.

It added that the sites and associated petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.

According to the Navy, the discovery highlights the scale of illicit petroleum storage in the area and the risk of suspected stolen and illegally refined products entering unlawful distribution channels.

The operation, it said, disrupted storage activities at the three locations and denied the suspected operators access to a substantial volume of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led patrols and operations to identify illegal refining facilities, disrupt the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products, and support efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.