By Isiaka Mustapha Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recovering 33,800 litres of petroleum products during a recent operation in Rivers State.The successful operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, a unit operating under Operation Delta Sentinel. Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives on September 25, 2026, discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.During the raid, the operatives recovered approximately 28,520 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 5,280 litres of stolen crude oil, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to about 33,800 litres.The Navy also uncovered and seized 48 sacks, three dugout pits, two kegs and three cooking drums used for the storage and processing of the illegally refined products. Suspected operators of the facilities reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the approaching naval personnel.The latest success underscores the sustained momentum of Operation Delta Sentinel, which has continued to target criminal networks involved in crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta region.According to the Nigerian Navy, the operation reflects its commitment to intelligence driven surveillance, persistent monitoring and targeted interventions aimed at dismantling the infrastructure that supports economic sabotage and environmental degradation.The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed all naval formations and units to sustain the offensive against crude oil thieves and other criminal elements operating within the nation’s maritime domain.He emphasised the need to deny criminal networks freedom of action, safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure and create a safer environment for legitimate economic activities in the Niger Delta.The Navy further reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging advanced maritime domain awareness capabilities, actionable intelligence and strategic collaboration with other security agencies and host communities to strengthen the fight against oil theft.It noted that sustained operations against crude oil theft are crucial to protecting Nigeria’s energy assets, boosting crude oil production and enhancing national economic stability.The service added that it remains resolute in supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to secure the nation’s maritime environment and ensure that the country’s vast energy resources contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development.