The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining, following the discovery of three suspected illegal refining sites, six reservoirs and approximately 99,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The discoveries were made across the Navy’s operational areas in Rivers and Delta States.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the recoveries were made during separate operations conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and NNS DELTA on August 31, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum activities.
The operations also led to the discovery of illegal refining infrastructure, including a large refining oven, storage facilities and dugout reservoirs containing suspected stolen crude oil.
Folorunsho said the combined discoveries represented a significant disruption to illicit petroleum activities, particularly the storage and processing infrastructure used to sustain the illegal trade.
He said the identified sites and facilities, as well as the recovered products, were handled in accordance with established procedures.
“The latest successes demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s ability to maintain pressure across multiple operational areas while denying criminal networks the infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft and illegal refining activities,” he stated.
