Nigerian Navy seizes over 68,000 litres of suspected stolen crude in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy announced that it has recovered an estimated 68,175 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen and stored illegally in Rivers State. The seizures were made during two separate raids in the Ogbogolo community of Ahoada West Local Government Area, carried out on 24 October and 7 November 2026. Navy Captain Abiodun Folorusho, the service’s spokesperson, said the operations were conducted by the naval vessel NNS Soroh under the umbrella of Operation Delta Sentinel, following credible intelligence about illicit petroleum storage and refining within the Orashi Forest and surrounding areas.

During the first raid on 24 October, naval teams uncovered two crude‑oil storage sites that contained four dug‑out pits, 29 sacks and a 25‑litre keg, amounting to roughly 8,675 litres of suspected crude. A second operation on 7 November revealed two illegal refining sites, comprising two large and 36 small dug‑out pits, together with additional storage facilities that held an estimated 59,500 litres of the product. The navy confirmed that all recovered oil and associated materials were handled in line with established procedures.

Background

Oil theft and illegal refining have long plagued Nigeria’s oil‑rich Niger Delta, prompting successive security initiatives. Operation Delta Sentinel, launched by the navy, is an intelligence‑led campaign targeting the dismantling of clandestine storage and refining infrastructure. According to statements from Captain Folorusho and the navy’s Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the recent raids were the result of actionable intelligence that pinpointed specific sites within the Orashi Forest region. The navy’s statements across Daily Post, Vanguard and Tribune all describe the same sequence of events, confirming the consistency of the reported figures and the operational timeline.

Why it matters

The recovered volume represents a significant portion of the crude that would otherwise have entered the illegal market, where it fuels unregulated refining and contributes to environmental degradation and loss of revenue for the state. By intercepting more than 68,000 litres, the navy aims to protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure and safeguard national economic interests. The navy emphasised that sustained operational pressure in identified hotspots helps disrupt organised theft networks and denies criminal elements access to the country’s natural resources. Stakeholders, including federal and state authorities, are expected to benefit from reduced illicit activity and the associated security and environmental risks.

What happens next

Captain Folorusho reiterated the navy’s commitment to continue operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, signalling that further raids may be conducted wherever intelligence indicates similar illegal activities. No specific future dates were disclosed, but the navy’s statements suggest ongoing monitoring and potential follow‑up actions under Operation Delta Sentinel. The navy also indicated that seized materials would be processed according to standard protocols, though details of disposal or legal proceedings were not provided.

The coordinated effort across multiple news outlets underscores the navy’s focus on curbing oil theft, a persistent challenge for Nigeria’s economy and security apparatus.