The Nigerian Navy has disrupted three illegal refining sites and seized about 91,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to a press statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the operation was conducted on Friday, 21 August 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS SOROH.
The raid followed credible intelligence on the suspected reactivation of illegal refining activities within Okolomade and Ogbogolo areas of Rivers State.
Troops discovered and dismantled illegal facilities in Ahoada and Emelego. Items recovered include two cooking drums, two large ovens, 10 reservoirs and four storage facilities associated with illegal refining.
Two makeshift camps suspected to have provided shelter for illegal refiners were also destroyed. In addition, troops recovered approximately 91,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil and about 70 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
The Navy said the illegal refining sites, recovered products and associated materials were handled in accordance with established procedures to deny operators the infrastructure needed to resume activities.
The statement noted that the operation underscores the Navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from rebuilding illegal refining infrastructure in areas previously affected by crude oil theft.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to degrade the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft, protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas resources from economic saboteurs,” the statement added.
