The Nigerian Navy has uncovered about 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 Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, PATHFINDER during an operation in Okarki community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state, on October 10, 2026.
The Navy said the recovered products comprised approximately 65,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the petroleum products were stored in about 12 dugout pits and containers across the three sites.
No arrest was made during the operation, as the suspected operators reportedly fled before the naval team arrived.
The Navy said the sites and associated petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
It added that the discovery exposed the scale of suspected illegal petroleum storage in the area and the risk of the products entering unlawful distribution channels.
The operation, according to the Navy, disrupted activities at the three locations and denied the suspected operators access to a substantial quantity of petroleum products for further illegal handling and sale.