Odita Sunday 
Nigerian Navy recovers 126,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in Rivers
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its crackdown on crude oil theft in Rivers State, recovering more than 126,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products during a renewed operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER uncovered and dismantled two reactivated illegal refining sites in the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Folorunsho said the latest operation followed an earlier raid conducted on July 10, 2026, during which the Navy deactivated illegal refining sites in the same area. He noted that despite the successful operation, suspected crude oil thieves attempted to restore the illegal facilities, prompting intensified surveillance and follow-up operations.
He disclosed that the naval personnel recovered about 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and another 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), concealed in seven dugout pits and reservoirs.
”The latest operation brings the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres,” the statement said.
Folorunsho added that the operation underscored the Navy’s resolve to prevent criminal syndicates from re-establishing illegal refining infrastructure or regaining operational footholds in the Niger Delta.
He explained that all illegal refining sites were dismantled, while the recovered products were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The Navy spokesman said sustained operational pressure would continue across identified criminal enclaves as part of efforts to dismantle crude oil theft networks and safeguard critical national assets.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at combating illegal refining, protecting the nation’s oil infrastructure and supporting Nigeria’s economic security.
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