The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, uncovering three suspected illegal refining sites, six reservoirs and about 99,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers and Delta states.

The discoveries were made during separate operations conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and NNS DELTA on August 31, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum activities in the two states.

According to a statement signed yesterday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operations also led to the discovery of illegal refining infrastructure, including a large refining oven, storage facilities and dugout reservoirs containing suspected stolen crude oil.

He said the operations represented a significant disruption to the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners, particularly by targeting the infrastructure used to store and process stolen petroleum products.

Folorunsho added that the identified sites, facilities and recovered products were handled in accordance with established procedures.

The latest operations, the Navy said, underscored its continued efforts to sustain pressure on criminal networks operating in the oil-producing region and deny them access to infrastructure required to carry out crude oil theft and illegal refining.

The Navy also reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas resources and curb activities capable of undermining the country’s economy and environment.