By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the disruption of an illegal fuel distribution hub and the recovery of approximately 13,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY.
“The operation resulted in the discovery of an illegal petroleum products storage and distribution facility containing large-capacity storage tanks, reservoirs, drums, hoses and other equipment associated with the illegal handling and distribution of petroleum products,” Captain Folorunsho said.
He added that the recovered products and associated facilities were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures.
“The illegal facility is believed to have supported criminal activities linked to the unlawful petroleum products trade, thereby undermining national economic interests and the integrity of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure. Relevant investigations are ongoing, while efforts continue to identify all persons connected with the illegal operation,” he said.
The Navy spokesman noted that the successful operation represents another significant step in the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to dismantle the infrastructure that enables crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
It further underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s drive to enhance crude oil production and national revenue.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL and other lawful operations aimed at safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the freedom of action to perpetuate any form of criminality in our maritime domain,” the statement averred.
