Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered two suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately 62,050 litres of petroleum products in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, during an anti-crude oil theft operation on 8 September 2026.
The operation, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, a unit under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, led to the discovery of 31 dugout pits containing about 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. The team also recovered six sacks and one keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The sites, located within the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area, were handled in accordance with extant regulations. No arrest was made, as the suspects fled upon sighting the naval team.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL, since inception, has led to numerous busts, reinforcing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicate illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta while denying perpetrators access to the facilities used to store and process petroleum products, thus protecting Nigeria’s oil resources and economic interests.