Nigerian Navy recovers stolen crude oil in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy has recovered 119,850 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at an illegal refining site in the Ogbogolo Community, located in the Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Acting on credible intelligence, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH conducted the operation on 17 September 2026. In addition to the crude oil, which was found in five dugout pits, authorities recovered 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in six sacks and 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa. No arrests were made as the suspects fled upon sighting the naval personnel.

The seizure was part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a mission aimed at disrupting crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta through maritime and riverine interdictions. This operation follows the recent conviction of nine crude oil thieves by the Federal High Court in Uyo.