Navy Busts Illegal Refineries In Rivers, Uncovers 117,000 Litres Of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites and uncovered approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Awokiri Community, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of efforts to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

The operation was carried out on November 5, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny following credible intelligence about the activation of new illegal refining sites within the community.

According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval team discovered 16 dugout pits at the locations, with nine containing approximately 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

The statement disclosed that an additional storage tank contained about 2,000 litres of crude oil, bringing the total quantity uncovered to approximately 117,000 litres.

It further revealed that four other pits contained water, while three were freshly excavated, adding that the identified sites, pits and petroleum products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.