The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant operational success against crude oil theft under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recovering approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and disrupting a creek-based fuel smuggling network in Rivers State.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The statement revealed that upon arrival at the location, the naval patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.
To further exploit the intelligence, the personnel deployed a drone for aerial surveillance, which led to the discovery of additional stockpiles concealed beneath vegetation and inside ponds within the area.
A comprehensive search subsequently resulted in the recovery of 45 more sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO hidden at different locations, bringing the total haul to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres of the product. The operation also denied criminal elements the use of the intercepted wooden boat for the transportation of illicit petroleum products.
The recovered products and the wooden boat were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, further disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle crude oil theft syndicates, deny criminal elements freedom of action across the nation’s waterways, and safeguard Nigeria’s critical economic assets.
