The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities with the recovery of about 1,600 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation in Rivers State.
The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, followed credible intelligence on the movement and concealment of illegally refined petroleum products within Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) team swiftly deployed to the Orashi Forest area where aerial surveillance using an unmanned system identified several sacks suspected to contain illegally refined AGO hidden beneath grasses in the forest.
Folorunsho disclosed that further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of 16 sacks containing approximately 100 litres each, bringing the total volume of the recovered product to about 1,600 litres.
He noted that the suspects fled the scene on sighting naval personnel, adding that no arrests were made during the operation.
“The recovered products were subsequently evacuated and handled in accordance with extant operational procedures,” the statement said.
The Navy said the operation underscores its sustained commitment under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantling illegal refining networks and denying economic saboteurs freedom of action within the maritime and littoral environment.
Reaffirming its resolve, the service stated that there would be no safe haven for individuals involved in crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, stressing that ongoing operations across waterways and adjoining creeks are aimed at giving criminal elements “no breathing space.”
