The Nigerian Navy says it has disrupted a large illegal oil network across Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states, seizing products worth more than ₦600 million.
In a statement released on 18th April, Navy spokesperson Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel on 17th April.
In Rivers State, along the Rivers–Bayelsa corridor, personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh raided illegal refining sites in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The Navy said the team discovered “multiple illegal refining sites, including dugout pits, ovens, reservoirs, and storage facilities.”
It added that about 103,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 190,000 litres of illegally refined diesel were recovered. “Using conservative market benchmarks, the seized crude oil is valued at over ₦91 million, while the AGO is estimated at over ₦342 million,” the statement said.
In Delta State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta uncovered a hidden storage site near Bennett Island.
The Navy said the facility contained about 78,000 litres of crude oil, valued at about ₦69 million, and was linked to a buried pipeline.
“All illegal refining infrastructure and storage facilities were dismantled in situ,” the Navy said, adding that suspects fled when they saw naval officers.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, praised the operation and urged officers “not to relent but to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks.”
The Navy said it remains committed to “protecting Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure” and securing the country’s economy.
