By Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — The Nigerian Navy has disrupted an illegal fuel distribution network operating through the creeks of Rivers State, recovering about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in a major intelligence-led operation under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operation dealt a significant blow to crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through the creek corridors linking Rivers and Bayelsa states.
“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,” he said.
Folorunsho explained that upon arrival, the naval patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel along an adjoining creek.
To further exploit the intelligence, the Navy deployed a drone for aerial surveillance, which led to the discovery of additional stockpiles concealed under vegetation and inside ponds within the forest.
“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,” he stated.
He added that the intercepted wooden boat, which was allegedly being used to transport the illicit petroleum products, was also seized, thereby disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining operations in the region.
According to the Navy spokesman, the recovered products and the wooden boat were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle crude oil theft syndicates, deny criminal elements freedom of operation on Nigeria’s 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,” Folorunsho said.
