By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational breakthrough under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the recovery of 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed within the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the recovery followed credible intelligence that led personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH to Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The statement disclosed that aerial surveillance and follow-up search operations uncovered approximately 138 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO. The products were reportedly concealed under vegetation and at various locations along adjoining waterways.
The Navy noted that the operation exposed the increasing use of hidden creek-side storage facilities by criminal networks involved in the illegal petroleum trade across the Niger Delta region.
It added that the recovered products were handled in line with existing regulations, thereby preventing economic saboteurs from accessing resources intended to support illicit activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic assets, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations targeted at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates and illegal petroleum distribution networks operating within the Niger Delta.
