Navy Uncovers 62,050 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude and Diesel in Rivers

 

By Wakirike Herald

The Nigerian Navy says it has uncovered two suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately 62,050 litres of petroleum products in Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The discovery was made on 8 September by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, according to an operational report issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.

Dugout Pits Used for Storage

Folorunsho said the naval team found 31 dugout pits containing about 58,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 4,050 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel.

Personnel also recovered six sacks and one keg containing additional quantities of suspected illegally refined diesel. The report did not specify the volume of those additional recoveries.

The sites were located within the Orashi Forest and the wider Ogbogolo area.

According to Folorunsho, the facilities were handled in accordance with existing regulations. However, the report did not explain the specific measures taken to secure, dismantle or dispose of the facilities and recovered products.

Suspects Flee, No Arrests Made

The Navy said no arrests were made because the suspects fled on sighting the patrol team.

The report did not identify the suspected operators or indicate whether subsequent investigations had established ownership of the sites.

Folorunsho said Operation DELTA SENTINEL had recorded several interventions against crude oil theft and illegal refining since its inception. He reiterated the Navy’s resolve to deny perpetrators access to facilities used for storing and processing petroleum products.

He described the operations as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil resources and economic interests.

For communities around the affected area, follow-up remains important. The report provided no assessment of possible contamination or information on remediation, leaving questions about the condition of the sites after the operation.

The discovery highlights the continuing challenge of illegal petroleum storage and refining in Rivers State. Further investigation and clear information on how the recovered products and affected sites were managed would help establish the operation’s wider outcome.

Wakirike Herald
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