The Nigerian Navy has announced a major operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the interception of more than 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and the disruption of illicit fuel transportation networks across waterways in Rivers State.
According to a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information said the operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during separate anti-crude oil theft patrols in the Onne and Abonema general areas.
He said in the first operation, naval troops on routine patrol intercepted a fibre boat loaded with drums and jerrycans containing approximately 63,000 litres of suspected stolen AGO at the entrance of Owogono Creek in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly abandoned the boat and fled into adjoining creeks upon sighting the patrol team.
“The Navy recovered both the vessel and its cargo, preventing the illegal products from entering the supply chain.
“In a related operation around Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, naval patrol teams intercepted a wooden boat transporting about 72,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed in several sacks.
“The products were allegedly being conveyed through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the movement.
“The successful recoveries highlight the continued exploitation of the region’s intricate creek networks by criminal elements involved in the transportation and distribution of illegally refined petroleum products” the statement said.
According to the Nigerian Navy, all recovered products and associated conveyances were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, disrupting illegal fuel supply chains, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets within the maritime domain.
