By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities with the recovery of about 1,600 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a targeted operation in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, followed actionable intelligence regarding the storage and movement of illegally refined petroleum products within Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, near the boundary with Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Acting on the intelligence, the Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) team advanced into the Orashi Forest axis where aerial reconnaissance using an unmanned surveillance platform revealed suspicious sacks concealed under thick grasses in the forest.
Further exploitation of the location led to the recovery of 16 sacks, each estimated to contain about 100 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, bringing the total volume recovered to approximately 1,600 litres.
The suspects reportedly escaped before the arrival of naval operatives, while the recovered products were evacuated in line with established operational procedures.
The Nigerian Navy stated that the successful operation further demonstrates its resolve under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle illegal refining camps, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and safeguard Nigeria’s economic assets.
It reaffirmed that sustained operations across the maritime environment, creeks, and adjoining communities would continue to deny economic saboteurs any operational foothold.
