The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 98,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products at three illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
The discovery was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during an operation in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, on October 10, 2026.
According to the Navy, the recovered products comprised about 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
A statement issued on Monday disclosed that the petroleum products were stored in approximately 12 dugout pits and containers spread across the three locations.
No arrests were made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval personnel arrived.
The Navy said the sites and the recovered petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
It added that the discovery highlighted the scale of suspected illegal petroleum storage in the area and the risk of the products entering unlawful distribution channels.
According to the Navy, the operation disrupted activities at the three sites and denied the suspected operators access to a substantial quantity of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.
