Navy Busts Illegal Refining Sites, Recovers 99,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude In Rivers, Delta

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, uncovering three suspected illegal refining sites and recovering about 99,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers and Delta States.

According to reports, the discoveries were made during separate operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and NNS DELTA on August 31, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum activities in the affected areas.

The operations led to the discovery of three suspected illegal refining sites, six reservoirs and storage facilities containing products believed to have been illegally obtained or processed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operatives also discovered a large refining oven and other equipment allegedly being used in illegal refining activities.

The Navy said the recovered products included approximately 99,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.

Folorunsho said the discoveries represented another significant setback for criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining, particularly those relying on illegal storage and processing facilities to sustain their operations.

He added that the recovered petroleum products, equipment and facilities were handled in accordance with established procedures.

The Navy spokesman further stated that the latest operations demonstrated the force’s continued capacity to disrupt criminal activities across its various operational areas.

He assured that the Nigerian Navy would sustain its operations aimed at denying oil thieves and illegal refiners access to the infrastructure required to carry out their activities.

The latest seizures come as security agencies continue efforts to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage affecting Nigeria’s petroleum sector.