The Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites and uncovered approximately 117,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Awokiri Community in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, conducted on 5 November 2026 by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY, was carried out following credible intelligence on the activation of new illegal refining sites in the area.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the naval team discovered 16 dugout pits during the operation, with nine containing approximately 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
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The statement read that an additional storage tank contained about 2,000 litres, bringing the total volume of recovered suspected stolen crude oil to approximately 117,000 litres.
Four other pits were found containing water, while three were freshly excavated.
The Navy said the identified sites, pits and products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The operation underscores the Navy’s sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering through intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting criminal networks.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical oil and gas assets, safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and denying economic saboteurs access to the nation’s petroleum resources.
It also reiterated its support for national efforts to enhance crude oil production and strengthen security across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
