Navy intercepts 22,870 litres of illegal fuel in Rivers

In a significant intelligence-led operation, the Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted approximately 22,870 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State. The operation, codenamed DELTA SENTINEL, was executed by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH in the Orashi Forest area, within the Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, the operation was prompted by credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit petroleum products through creek channels adjacent to the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Naval patrol teams intercepted a wooden boat carrying 36 sacks of the suspected AGO along a creek.

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On arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along an adjoining creek.

To further enhance the operation, a drone was deployed for aerial surveillance, leading to the discovery of additional concealed stockpiles hidden beneath vegetation and within ponds in the general vicinity. A thorough search resulted in the recovery of 45 more sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, bringing the total seizure to 81 sacks, equivalent to the 22,870 liters.

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To further exploit the intelligence, aerial surveillance was conducted using a drone, leading to the identification of additional concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the general area.

Folorunsho noted that the operation also prevented criminal elements from utilizing the seized wooden boat for transporting illegal petroleum products. The recovered products and the boat were handled in accordance with existing anti-crude oil theft procedures, thereby disrupting the logistical network that supports illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its dedication to conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks, denying criminal elements operational freedom on Nigeria's waterways, and safeguarding the nation's critical economic assets. Operation DELTA SENTINEL is an ongoing initiative by the Navy targeting crude oil theft, illegal refining, and other maritime crimes within the Niger Delta, employing a combination of intelligence gathering, waterborne patrols, and aerial surveillance to disrupt criminal networks responsible for economic sabotage and protect oil and gas infrastructure.

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A detailed search subsequently led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed at different locations, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres.