Nigerian Navy Seizes 22,870 Liters of Diesel in Illegal Fuel Network Bust

The Nigerian Navy has successfully dismantled an illegal fuel distribution network operating within the creeks of Rivers State, seizing approximately 22,870 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). This significant intelligence-led operation, conducted under 'Operation Delta Sentinel,' marks a major blow against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta region.

“

Acting on credible intelligence, personnel of NNS SOROH deployed to the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following reports of suspected movement of illegally refined products.

According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH executed the operation based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of illicit petroleum products. The patrol team intercepted a wooden boat laden with 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel along a creek corridor connecting Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Further intelligence gathered through aerial surveillance using a drone led to the discovery of additional stockpiles concealed within the forest. A thorough search uncovered 45 more sacks of suspected AGO hidden in various locations, bringing the total recovered quantity to 81 sacks, totaling around 22,870 liters. The wooden boat used in the illicit transport was also confiscated, disrupting the logistics supporting illegal refining activities.

“

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

Folorunsho stated that the seized products and the boat were handled according to established anti-crude oil theft procedures. He reiterated the Navy's unwavering commitment to continuing intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel. The goal is to dismantle oil theft syndicates, restrict criminal elements' operations on Nigerian waterways, and safeguard the nation's critical economic assets.

“

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle crude oil theft networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action across the nation’s waterways, and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.