The Nigerian Navy on Friday, September 18, recovered 119,850 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers state.
The recovery was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation followed credible intelligence on activities at the illegal refining site.
The suspected stolen crude oil was discovered in five dugout pits, while 350 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered in six sacks.
The naval personnel also recovered 25 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa at the site.
The Navy said no arrest was made as the suspects fled after sighting the naval personnel.
“The recovered products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations,” the Navy said.
The latest recovery comes shortly after nine crude oil thieves were convicted by the Federal High Court in Uyo following their arrest during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
According to the Navy, the development highlights the growing impact of the operation, which combines sustained maritime and riverine interdictions with intelligence-led action to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
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