The Nigerian Navy has made a significant recovery of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State, seizing 33,800 litres of products in a successful operation. According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the operation was carried out by troops of Operation Delta Sentinel, led by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH. The operation was based on credible intelligence and resulted in the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites.
The operation, which took place on Friday, 25 September 2026, led to the recovery of 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil. The products were discovered at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. In addition to the petroleum products, the Navy also discovered 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs, and three cooking drums used for storage and processing.
The perpetrators of the crude oil theft and illegal refining activities fled the area upon sighting the naval personnel. The Nigerian Navy's operation is part of its sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta. The Navy's strategy involves 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 pressure on these criminal networks to deny them freedom of action. The Navy aims to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and create a more secure operating environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta. The recovery of the stolen petroleum products is a significant success in this effort.
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. The Navy's efforts are integral to securing Nigeria's energy resources, improving crude oil production, and strengthening national economic security. The operation demonstrates the Navy's commitment to protecting the country's energy resources.
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, emphasized that the operation reflects the Nigerian Navy's strategy of persistent surveillance and intelligence-led operations. The Navy's efforts have resulted in remarkable successes in the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta. The recovery of 33,800 litres of petroleum products is a significant achievement in this effort.
The Nigerian Navy's operation is a significant blow to crude oil thieves and illegal refiners in the Niger Delta. The Navy's sustained efforts have resulted in the recovery of large quantities of stolen petroleum products and the disruption of crude oil theft and illegal refining activities. The operation demonstrates the Navy's commitment to protecting Nigeria's energy resources and securing the country's economic interests.
Key points
- The Nigerian Navy recovers 33,800 litres of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State.
- The operation was carried out by troops of Operation Delta Sentinel, led by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH.
- The Navy's efforts are integral to securing Nigeria's energy resources, improving crude oil production, and strengthening national economic security.
