The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel, during an anti-crude oil theft operation in Rivers State.
The seizure was made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following an intelligence-led operation by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out after credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through the area’s creek channels.
He said the patrol team initially intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel along an adjoining creek.
Folorunsho added that the operatives deployed a drone for aerial surveillance, which led to the discovery of more concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the area.
He said a subsequent search led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of the product, bringing the total to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
“The recovered products and the wooden boat were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures, further disrupting the logistics chain supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta,” the statement said.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle crude oil theft networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action on Nigeria’s waterways and safeguard the country’s strategic economic assets.
