Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Navy (NN) has found 119,850 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen, 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on 17 September 2026 by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the location. The suspected stolen crude oil was found in five dugout pits, while the suspected illegally refined AGO was recovered in six sacks. No arrest was made as the suspects fled on sighting the naval personnel. The recovered products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The latest success comes shortly after the conviction of nine crude oil thieves by the Federal High Court in Uyo, following their arrest during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. The development highlights the growing impact of the operation, which combines sustained maritime and riverine interdictions with intelligence-led action to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
The successive operational gains and successful prosecution of offenders demonstrate the significance of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. Beyond recovering stolen petroleum products, the operation continues to degrade the infrastructure supporting the illicit trade while strengthening the chain from detection and interdiction to prosecution and conviction.