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