The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a major link in the illicit petroleum distribution network in the Niger Delta, intercepting approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The seizure was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL during a routine security patrol around the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel observed a wooden boat attempting to discharge its contents under suspicious circumstances. A subsequent inspection revealed that the vessel was carrying about 375 sacks containing roughly 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The Navy said the discovery exposed a suspected creek-to-market fuel transportation route frequently used by criminal elements involved in the illegal petroleum trade. The route, it noted, serves as a critical link between illegal refining camps hidden within the creeks and commercial markets where the products are eventually sold.
“The operation exposed a suspected creek-to-market fuel movement route often exploited by criminal elements involved in the illegal petroleum trade. Such networks serve as critical links between illegal refining camps and end users, enabling economic saboteurs to profit from stolen national resources,” the statement said.
The intercepted wooden boat and its cargo were secured and processed in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively preventing the products from entering the nation’s fuel supply chain.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle networks involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining, transportation and distribution of illicit petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
Captain Folorunsho stated that the service remains resolute in supporting national efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, while safeguarding the country’s economic interests from criminal exploitation.
The latest interception added to a series of recent successes recorded by the Nigerian Navy in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region.
