The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in Rivers State, intercepting approximately 17,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and recovering another 24,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
The operations were carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL as part of the Navy’s sustained efforts to disrupt illegal petroleum activities and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure across the state.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER intercepted a speedboat conveying the suspected illegally refined AGO along the Onne/Okrika waterways.
The operation, conducted within the ship’s Area of Operation, resulted in the recovery of the speedboat and the approximately 17,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO. The items were subsequently handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those connected with the illegal activity.
In a separate operation, personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny acted on credible intelligence regarding suspected attempts by criminal elements to establish illegal connections to oil infrastructure within the Bethel Community axis of Bonny Local Government Area.
The operation led to the discovery of an illegal refining site, two pits containing approximately 24,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, as well as extensive hoses believed to have been installed to facilitate crude oil theft.
The Navy said the illegal facilities and associated materials were subsequently handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The operation, according to the statement, disrupted an emerging crude oil theft network before it could become fully operational, thereby denying economic saboteurs the infrastructure required to sustain illicit activities and cause further economic losses to the country.
The latest operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s continued reliance on intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, combat crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering, and protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas assets.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment, disrupting the illicit petroleum supply chain and supporting Nigeria’s economic security.
