Suspected oil thieves fled into the forest before naval troops arrived, abandoning 114,500 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products hidden inside 23 illegal refining pits in Rivers State.
The massive discovery, made by the Nigerian Navy during a raid on an illegal refining camp in Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, highlights the continuing battle against crude oil theft despite intensified security operations across the Niger Delta.
Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH carried out the operation on Thursday, October 15, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, after acting on credible intelligence.
According to him, five of the 23 dugout pits contained about 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel (AGO), while the remaining 18 pits held about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
Although no arrest was made because the suspects escaped before the troops arrived, the Navy said all recovered products were secured in line with operational procedures.
In a separate operation the same day, naval personnel, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested 10 suspects during a raid at 27 Deco Road, Warri, Delta State. The Navy did not disclose their identities or the offences linked to their arrest.
Folorunsho said the operations reflect the Navy’s continued determination to dismantle illegal refining networks and curb crude oil theft, a crime that continues to deprive Nigeria of billions of naira in revenue while damaging the environment in oil-producing communities.