The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 3,950 litres of stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) area in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of ongoing operations to curb crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
The interception was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following a directive by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and economic sabotage across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship NNS VICTORY acted on credible intelligence about suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port.
Folorunsho said the naval team swiftly deployed to the area and traced the stolen products to a trailer park within the port facility. However, the suspected perpetrators fled on sighting the naval patrol team.
He explained that the area was immediately cordoned off by the operatives, after which the illegally siphoned products were secured.
Further inspection by the naval personnel led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, stored in drums and jerrycans.
The Navy spokesperson added that the recovered products have been evacuated to the naval base for further necessary action in line with existing regulations.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, with intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
