Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Navy has disrupted 2 illegal refining sites and uncovered approximately 58,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation was conducted by NNS PATHFINDER, a unit under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, on 3 October 2026, following credible intelligence about suspected crude oil theft and illegal refining activities within its area of operations. The sites contained 9 dugout pits, storage containers and sacks laden with the suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
The intervention further denied criminal operators access to facilities used to store and process stolen petroleum resources, disrupting the supply chain supporting illegal refining in the area.
The 2 illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures. No arrest was made, as the suspected operators fled before the arrival of the naval team.