The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a large cache of suspected illegally obtained petroleum products and shut down an illegal refining operation in Rivers State.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, with support from aerial surveillance assets, carried out a coordinated anti-crude oil theft operation along the Egboama/Ogbogolo area of Ahoada West Local Government Area.
During the operation, the team discovered about 30,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 138,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The products were reportedly stored in reservoirs, refining equipment, and more than 1,200 sacks hidden across the area for distribution.
The Navy said preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal refining site had been reactivated by suspected oil thieves despite previous crackdowns and enforcement measures.
