Personnel from NNS PATHFINDER seized 52,600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers State on Friday. The recovery operation targeted illegal refining networks operating in the region.
Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, disclosed the seizure in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria. He said the operation unfolded in Okrika Local Government Area.
Navy officers acting on intelligence intercepted two wooden boats at Ogoloma. The vessels were positioned to offload petroleum products, according to Folorunsho.
A thorough search of the boats uncovered about 250 sacks of suspected stolen crude. The total haul amounted to roughly 52,600 litres of product.
Alongside the crude oil, soldiers recovered equipment used to construct illegal refineries. Folorunsho noted that materials suggested plans for expansion in the area.
"This operation disrupted another attempt by criminals to fuel Nigeria's illegal refining value chain," the naval spokesman said. He explained that the seizure denied saboteurs the resources they needed.
All recovered items were handled according to established anti-theft procedures. Officials processed everything in line with national protocols.
Folorunsho stressed that the Navy continues ramping up operational activities across maritime zones. His comments underscored efforts to dismantle crude theft networks nationwide.
According to him, the service remains committed to intelligence-driven patrols and interception missions. Navy operations focus on protecting Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure.
The seizure represents the latest in a series of anti-theft operations in the Niger Delta region. Illegal refining remains a persistent challenge to Nigeria's economy and environment.
