About 37 people have reportedly died after inhaling a toxic petroleum product while allegedly loading illegally tapped fuel at Okari Jetty in the Okrika Mainland area of Rivers State, Nigeria. According to The Tide, several others were said to be missing following the incident, which reportedly occurred around midnight on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The product was reportedly tapped from Indorama. Further details of the incident were still emerging at the time of the report.

Residents in Rivers state are expressing concern over suspected crude oil pollution affecting their water source. This incident highlights ongoing environmental challenges faced by communities in an area that significantly contributes to Nigeria's oil wealth. The residents are hopeful that increased public attention will prompt effective action and long-term restoration efforts.

About 18,149 oil spill incidents were recorded in Nigeria between 2006 and 2024, according to Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University. Speaking on the issue, Fagbohun said the spills have had devastating consequences for communities, human health and the environment. The figures highlight the scale of environmental damage linked to oil activities in the country over the 18-year period, Tribune Online reported.

The Nigerian Navy said it disrupted two illegal refining sites in Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State and recovered about 33,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. The operation was conducted on September 6, 2026 by Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER, according to a statement. The blurb did not mention arrests, casualties, or the sites’ operators.

West African Exploration and Production Company (WAEP), an upstream oil firm majority owned by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, has contracted three jack-up rigs to begin developing oil assets estimated at 1.6 billion barrels. According to ThisDay Live, the move marks a significant step in the company's upstream expansion plans in Nigeria. Further details on the drilling timeline and specific field locations were not fully provided in the report.

Authorities in Southern California responded on Tuesday to a slow leak from a chemical tank and quickly brought it under control, according to the Associated Press. Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson Kaitlyn Aldana said the substance involved and the origin of the leak remained unknown. Three people at the scene declined transport to a hospital. Photos posted on social media appeared to show an orange haze or mist in the sky near the affected area.