Navy Foils Illegal Fuel Distribution, Recovers 135,000 Litres in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted more than 135,000 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State, disrupting illegal fuel distribution networks. The operation, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER, targeted crude oil theft activities around the Onne and Abonema areas as part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

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over 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)

During routine patrols, naval troops intercepted a fiber boat loaded with drums and jerrycans containing an estimated 63,000 liters of AGO at the entrance of Owogono Creek. The operators reportedly abandoned the boat and its cargo, fleeing into nearby creeks. In a separate incident near Abonema, patrol teams seized a wooden boat carrying approximately 72,000 liters of suspected illegally refined AGO, concealed in sacks.

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the operators abandoned them and fled into adjoining creeks.

These seizures highlight the persistent exploitation of the region's creek channels by criminal elements involved in illegal petroleum activities. The recovered products were being transported through waterways for onward distribution before the Navy's intervention disrupted the movement. The Nigerian Navy stated that all recovered products and conveyances were handled according to anti-crude oil theft procedures.

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were being transported through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the movement.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, emphasized the Navy's unwavering commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations. These efforts aim to dismantle crude oil theft networks, disrupt illicit fuel supply chains, and safeguard Nigeria's economic assets within the maritime environment.

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the recoveries underscore the continued use of the region’s creek networks by criminal elements to transport and distribute illegally refined petroleum products.