The Nigerian Navy has uncovered two illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered approximately 53,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.
The facilities were discovered at Okarki Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area during an operation targeting illegal oil refining and petroleum theft.
According to The Guardian, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder conducted the operation on November 11, 2026, under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Navy discovers illegal refining facilities
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that intelligence reports led naval personnel to the suspected illegal refining locations.
During the operation, officers discovered eight dugout pits and other containers allegedly used for storing petroleum products.
The recovered materials included approximately 23,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
Personnel also identified another 30,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel.
The combined volume of the materials was estimated at 53,000 litres.
Suspected operators flee
The Navy disclosed that no arrests were recorded during the operation.
According to its statement, the suspected operators fled before personnel arrived at the locations.
The refining sites were subsequently deactivated, while the recovered materials were handled in accordance with established operational procedures.
The service maintained that the operation was intended to disrupt illegal refining activities and protect petroleum infrastructure.
Previous operation uncovered three sites
The Navy recalled that personnel from NNS Pathfinder had carried out a similar operation in the area on October 10.
During that exercise, three illegal refining sites were reportedly uncovered and deactivated.
The service said the repeated discoveries demonstrated the need for sustained enforcement against oil theft.
Navy pledges continued operations
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led patrols and enforcement activities in oil-producing communities.
It maintained that preventing petroleum theft and illegal refining was important for protecting national revenue and critical infrastructure.
The latest operation adds to ongoing security interventions targeting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
However, the recovered products remain described as suspected stolen or illegally refined petroleum materials pending any further investigative findings.
