The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities in the Niger Delta, dismantling an illegal fuel distribution hub and recovering about 13,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The statement disclosed that the intelligence-driven operation led to the discovery of an illegal petroleum products storage and distribution facility equipped with large-capacity storage tanks, reservoirs, drums, hoses and other equipment allegedly used for the unlawful storage and distribution of petroleum products.
It added that approximately 13,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were recovered during the operation, while the seized products and associated equipment were handled in line with established operational procedures.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the illegal facility is believed to have served as a distribution hub supporting criminal activities associated with the illicit petroleum products trade, posing a threat to Nigeria’s economic interests and the integrity of the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The Service disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected with the illegal operation.
The Navy described the operation as another significant milestone in its sustained campaign against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, noting that dismantling the infrastructure supporting such crimes remains a key component of Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
It stated that the latest success underscores the Service’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to increase crude oil production, safeguard strategic energy infrastructure and boost national revenue.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain Operation DELTA SENTINEL and other lawful operations across the country’s maritime domain to deny economic saboteurs the freedom to engage in criminal activities and ensure the continued protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
