The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal petroleum activities in the Niger Delta following the discovery of a concealed stockpile of suspected illegally refined fuel along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.
The illegal cache was uncovered during ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH after intelligence reports revealed suspicious movements around the Okarki Community waterside in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, naval operatives deployed aerial surveillance technology to monitor the area, leading to the discovery of multiple sacks hidden within dense vegetation along the creek environment.
Folorunsho said further exploitation of the location resulted in the recovery of about 3,800 litres of substance suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil stored in 38 sacks.
He noted that the operation underscored the growing tactics employed by illegal fuel syndicates, including the use of isolated creek corridors and concealed transit points for temporary storage before distribution through illicit channels.
The Navy spokesperson added that although no arrests were made because the suspects fled before troops arrived at the scene, the recovered products were secured and handled in line with operational procedures.
He explained that ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL are increasingly targeting the movement networks sustaining illegal petroleum activities across the Niger Delta through sustained surveillance, disruption of hidden storage facilities, and restriction of operational mobility for criminal elements.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and safeguarding the maritime environment against economic sabotage.
