The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, intercepting more than 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and disrupting illicit fuel transportation networks operating across waterways in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during separate anti-crude oil theft patrols in the Onne and Abonema general areas, reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, noting that the recoveries highlight the Navy’s sustained commitment to curbing crude oil theft and safeguarding the nation’s economic assets.
According to Folorunsho, the first interception occurred at the entrance of Owogono Creek in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, where troops on routine patrol apprehended a fibre boat laden with drums and jerrycans containing approximately 63,000 litres of suspected stolen AGO. The operators reportedly abandoned the vessel and fled into adjoining creeks upon sighting the naval patrol team.
In a related operation around Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat transporting about 72,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed in several sacks. The products were allegedly being moved through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the illicit supply chain.
Folorunsho noted that the recoveries underscored the continued use of the region’s creek networks by criminal elements involved in the transportation and distribution of illegally refined petroleum products.
He added that all recovered products and associated vessels were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The successful operations form part of the Navy’s sustained campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining, and economic sabotage within the nation’s maritime domain.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, the Navy said it would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, disrupting illegal fuel supply chains, and securing the country’s maritime environment.
