Uche Cecil Izuora
In continuation of its operations against petroleum products thieves, the Nigerian Navy has recovered 33800 Litres of petroleum products amid
sustained tempo under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recording another
success against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger
Delta.
The operation led by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, a unit
under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. On Friday, 25 September 2026,
Nigerian Navy operatives acting on credible intelligence discovered and
deactivated 2 illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada
West Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation led to the
recovery of about 28520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil, totalling approximately 33800 litres of
petroleum products. Also discovered were 48 sacks, 3 dugout pits, 2 kegs
and 3 cooking drums used for the storage and processing of the products.
The perpetrators fled the area on sighting naval personnel.
The latest operation is part of the sustained successes recorded under
Operation DELTA SENTINEL and reflects the Nigerian Navy’s strategy of
persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and targeted
disruption of the infrastructure and networks that sustain crude oil theft.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed
formations and units to maintain the pressure on these criminal networks
to deny them freedom of action, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure
and create a more secure operating environment for legitimate economic
activities in the Niger Delta.
Accordingly, the Nigerian Navy will continue to leverage its maritime
domain awareness capabilities, credible intelligence and collaboration
with relevant security agencies and host communities to consolidate these
gains. These efforts are integral to the Navy’s contribution towards
securing Nigeria’s energy resources, improving crude oil production and
strengthening national economic security.