Navy intercepts 135,000 litres of illegal fuel in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, intercepting more than 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and disrupting illicit fuel transportation networks operating along waterways in Rivers State.

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

According to a statement issued by Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the successful operations resulted in the recovery of large quantities of suspected stolen petroleum products being transported through the region’s creeks for illegal distribution.

“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”, Navy said.

It also disclosed that the operators abandoned the vessel and fled into adjoining creeks upon sighting the patrol team.

“The boat was subsequently recovered along with its cargo of approximately 63,000 litres of suspected illegally refined fuel”, it added.

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

“The products were reportedly concealed in several sacks and were being moved through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the illegal movement”, the statement said.

Navy noted that the latest recoveries highlight the continued exploitation of creek networks in the Niger Delta by criminal elements involved in the transportation and distribution of illegally refined petroleum products.

It added that all recovered products and associated conveyances were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

The service reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, disrupting illicit fuel supply chains and safeguarding the nation’s economic assets within the maritime domain.