JUST IN: Navy intercepts 135,000 litres of suspected illegal fuel, disrupts oil theft network in Rivers

Crime Diary

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy has intercepted more than 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and disrupted illicit fuel transportation networks operating along waterways in Rivers State.

The operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during separate anti-crude oil theft missions in the Onne and Abonema areas of the state.

According to a statement on Sunday issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Ayorinde Folorunsho, the recoveries represent another significant success in the Navy’s ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.

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In the first operation, naval personnel on routine patrol intercepted a fibre boat loaded with drums and jerrycans containing suspected stolen AGO at the entrance of Owogono Creek in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area.

The operators reportedly abandoned the vessel and fled into adjoining creeks upon sighting security personnel.

The Navy said the boat and its cargo, estimated at approximately 63,000 litres of suspected illegally refined fuel, were subsequently recovered.

In a separate operation around Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, patrol teams intercepted a wooden boat transporting an estimated 72,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed in multiple sacks.

According to the Navy, the products were being moved through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the supply chain.

The service noted that the interceptions highlight the continued use of the region’s creek networks by criminal elements involved in the transportation and distribution of illegally refined petroleum products.

All recovered products and associated conveyances were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, the statement added.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, disrupting illegal fuel distribution networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets within the maritime domain.

The latest operation forms part of broader efforts by security agencies to combat oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.