The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, recovering approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a targeted operation in Rivers State.
The successful operation, carried out on June 28 under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was based on credible intelligence and executed by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval team was deployed following reports of suspected movement of illegally refined petroleum products through the creek corridors.
During the operation, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.
To deepen the operation, the Navy deployed aerial surveillance using a drone, which led to the discovery of additional concealed stockpiles hidden beneath vegetation and inside ponds within the area.
A comprehensive search resulted in the recovery of another 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, bringing the total seizure to 81 sacks containing about 22,870 litres of the product.
The intercepted wooden boat, which was being used to transport the illicit petroleum products, was also seized, effectively disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining operations in the region.
The Nigerian Navy said the recovered products and the boat were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil assets, the Navy stressed that it would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle crude oil theft syndicates, deny criminal elements freedom of operation across the nation’s waterways, and safeguard the country’s strategic economic resources.
The latest success underscored the Navy’s renewed resolve to combat economic sabotage and strengthen security within the Niger Delta’s maritime environment.
