The Nigerian Navy has intercepted approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in an operational report issued on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Folorunsho, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through creek channels bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He said the naval patrol team initially intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.
To expand the operation, the team deployed a drone for aerial surveillance, which revealed additional concealed stockpiles hidden beneath vegetation and inside ponds within the area.
A thorough search led to the recovery of another 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, bringing the total seizure to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres.
Folorunsho added that the operation also denied criminal elements the use of the wooden boat for transporting illegally refined petroleum products.
The recovered products and the vessel were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, curbing illegal refining activities, safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways, and protecting the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains one of the Nigerian Navy’s key operations focused on combating crude oil theft, illegal refining, and other maritime crimes across the Niger Delta.
