The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 119,850 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence about the location.
According to a statement, the suspected stolen crude oil was found in five dugout pits at the site.
The naval personnel also recovered 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in six sacks, as well as 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa.
The operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
No arrest was made as the suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the naval personnel.
The Navy said the recovered products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The latest operation came shortly after nine crude oil thieves were convicted by the Federal High Court in Uyo following their arrest during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The Navy said the development underscores the impact of the operation, which combines intelligence-led action with sustained maritime and riverine interdictions to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
