NAVY INTERCEPTS 22,870 LITRES OF ILLEGAL FUEL IN RIVERS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an intelligence-driven operation in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in the Orashi Forest axis of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational update released on Sunday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through creek channels bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Folorunsho said the naval patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.
“On arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along an adjoining creek,” he said.
He added that the team deployed a drone for aerial surveillance to expand the operation.
Folorunsho said the naval patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.
“On arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along an adjoining creek,” he said.
He added that the team deployed a drone for aerial surveillance to expand the operation.
“To further exploit the intelligence, aerial surveillance was conducted using a drone, leading to the identification of additional concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the general area.
“A detailed search subsequently led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed at different locations, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres,” Folorunsho said.
He noted that the operation also prevented criminal elements from using the intercepted wooden boat to transport illegally refined petroleum products.
According to him, the recovered products and the boat were handled in line with existing anti-crude oil theft procedures, disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
Folorunsho reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations targeted at dismantling crude oil theft networks, restricting criminal activities along Nigeria’s waterways, and safeguarding the country’s critical economic assets.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL is among the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing initiatives focused on combating crude oil theft, illegal refining activities, and other maritime crimes across the Niger Delta region.
The operation integrates intelligence gathering, maritime patrols, and aerial surveillance to disrupt criminal syndicates involved in economic sabotage and enhance the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
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