By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft, disrupting the movement of illegally refined petroleum products and recovering about 22,870 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was based on credible intelligence and targeted criminal activities along the creek corridors of the Niger Delta.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH were deployed to the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following reports of suspected movement of illegally refined petroleum products.
The naval patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along a creek in the area.
To expand the operation, the Navy deployed aerial surveillance using a drone, which led to the discovery of additional stockpiles concealed beneath vegetation and inside ponds.
A thorough search of the area resulted in the recovery of another 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO hidden at different locations, bringing the total haul to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres.
The intercepted wooden boat, believed to have been used for transporting the illicit products, was also seized.
The Navy said the recovered products and the vessel were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, further disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic assets, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle crude oil theft syndicates, deny criminal elements freedom of action across the nation’s waterways, and safeguard critical national infrastructure.
