Nigerian Navy Seizes 22,870 Liters of Illegal Diesel in Rivers Operation

The Nigerian Navy has successfully disrupted the flow of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State, seizing approximately 22,870 liters of diesel. The operation, codenamed DELTA SENTINEL, was executed based on intelligence gathered by personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH.

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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.

Naval forces conducted a targeted operation in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, an area bordering Bayelsa State. Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of illicit petroleum products through creek channels, the team intercepted a wooden boat laden with 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Following the initial interception, an aerial surveillance using a drone was conducted. This led to the discovery of additional concealed stockpiles hidden beneath vegetation and within ponds in the general vicinity. A subsequent search uncovered 45 more sacks of suspected AGO, bringing the total recovered quantity to 81 sacks.

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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.

The operation not only resulted in the seizure of the fuel but also denied criminal elements the use of the intercepted wooden boat for their illicit activities. The recovered products and the boat were handled according to established procedures for combating crude oil theft. The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling oil theft networks, restricting criminal activities on waterways, and safeguarding Nigeria's critical economic assets.

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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.