The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal distribution channel for stolen petroleum products in Rivers State, recovering approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an intelligence-led operation under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The operation, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, targeted the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through creek corridors in Rivers State. Acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a wooden boat transporting suspected illegally refined AGO and uncovered additional concealed stockpiles during a follow-up search aided by aerial drone surveillance.
Confirming the operation, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel deployed to the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, acted on intelligence reports of suspected movement of illegally refined petroleum products.
He said: “On arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along an adjoining creek. To further exploit the intelligence, aerial surveillance was conducted using a drone, leading to the identification of additional concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the general area.
“A detailed search subsequently led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed at different locations, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres.”
Folorunsho said the operation also denied criminal elements the use of the intercepted wooden boat for transporting illicit petroleum products.
“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,” he added.
The Navy said the operation demonstrates its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle crude oil theft networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action across the nation’s waterways, and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.
