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By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy said its operatives have intensified crackdown on crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta, intercepting approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an intelligence-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, targeted criminal networks involved in the illegal transportation of refined petroleum products through the creek corridors linking Rivers and Bayelsa states.
According to the Navy, in a statement by its spokesman, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products within the Orashi Forest axis of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Acting on the intelligence, the patrol team deployed to the area and intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.
To further exploit available intelligence, the team deployed aerial surveillance using an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), which led to the discovery of additional stockpiles concealed beneath thick vegetation and inside ponds within the general area.
A comprehensive search of the identified locations resulted in the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO hidden at different sites.
The operation brought the total recovery to 81 sacks containing about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel.
The Navy also impounded the wooden boat allegedly used for transporting the products, thereby disrupting a key logistics channel supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The recovered petroleum products and the intercepted boat were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures.
Naval authorities said the latest success underscores the Service’s sustained operational momentum under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which is aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates and curbing economic sabotage across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action on the nation’s waterways and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.
The latest seizure adds to a series of recent successes recorded by the Navy in its ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region.
