In a decisive move against oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has announced the recovery of approximately 1,600 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a targeted operation in Rivers State. The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation Delta Sentinel, underscores the Navy’s relentless campaign to curb illegal refining and economic sabotage in the region.
According to a statement by Captain A. Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh acted on credible intelligence about the storage of illegal petroleum products in the Okolomade Community, located within the Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Bayelsa State’s Ogbia LGA.
The Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) team swiftly deployed to the Orashi Forest, where aerial surveillance via an unmanned system revealed sacks hidden under grass. A thorough search yielded 16 sacks, each containing about 100 liters, totaling 1,600 liters of what is believed to be illegally refined AGO.
“The suspects fled on sighting the naval personnel, and no arrests were made. The recovered items were evacuated and handled per standard protocols,” the statement explained.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks and ensuring that economic saboteurs find no safe haven in the nation’s waterways and creeks. Operation Delta Sentinel continues to intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime resources.