Navy Uncovers 98,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil, Illegal Diesel in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy says it has uncovered about 98,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined diesel at three suspected illegal refining sites in Rivers State.

The discovery was reportedly made in Okarki, within Ahoada West Local Government Area, as security agencies continue efforts to tackle crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

The recovered products reportedly comprised about 65,000 litres of suspected crude oil and 33,000 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel.

No arrests were reported in connection with the operation.

The discovery comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb oil theft and unauthorised refining activities across the Niger Delta, a region central to Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Crude oil theft and illegal refining pose environmental risks, including pollution of waterways, soil contamination and damage to surrounding ecosystems. Such activities can also undermine government revenue from the oil sector.

However, authorities have yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the three sites, and further details about the operation have not been provided.