The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) during an intelligence-driven operation in Rivers State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta.
According to an operational report issued by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
The location also extended toward border communities in Bayelsa State.
Naval operatives reportedly acted on credible intelligence tracking the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through creek routes.
On arrival, the team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel along a creek channel.
To deepen the operation, aerial surveillance using a drone was deployed, which led to the discovery of additional hidden stockpiles concealed under vegetation and within swampy terrain.
A further search uncovered 45 more sacks of suspected illegally refined product, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks.
The Navy stated that the seized products, along with the wooden boat, were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The operation, it added, disrupted an existing logistics chain used by oil thieves operating within the waterways of the Niger Delta.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining networks, denying criminals freedom of action, and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
