The Navy seized 44,000 liters of illegal fuel, arresting eight people in the Rivers crackdown

The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on crude oil theft, intercepting 44,000 liters of suspected illegally refined fuel and arresting eight people in Rivers State.

The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, took place over the weekend in the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo areas, according to the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho. He explained that this success was supported by actionable intelligence regarding illicit activities in the region.

“Acting on credible intelligence of illicit activities in the area, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS) personnel deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team,” Folorunsho said. “This resulted in the intercept of two wooden boats carrying around 44,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) which was suspected to be refined illegally.

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“The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activities, while the rest of the armed gang fled after spotting the naval patrol team.”

He noted that both the suspect and the confiscated products are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Navy reiterated that the operation is in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal refueling and other maritime crimes across the country.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to maintaining the operational tempo of Operation Delta Sentinel through intelligence-based operations, increased patrols, and interagency collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets and economic interests,” Captain Folorunsho concluded.