Navy Intercepts Illegal Fuel Shipment, Recovers 22,870 Litres of AGO in Rivers Creek Operation

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities following an intelligence-driven operation that disrupted the movement of illegally refined fuel products in Rivers State.

The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, led to the recovery of about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from criminal elements operating within the creek corridors of the state.

According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH carried out the operation after receiving credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products around the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He said the patrol team, upon arrival at the location, intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO through an adjoining creek.

The Navy further intensified its search operation through aerial surveillance using a drone, which revealed additional concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the area.

A detailed search of the location resulted in the discovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres of the product.

The intercepted wooden boat was also seized, denying suspected criminal operators the means to continue transporting illicit petroleum products through the waterways.

The Nigerian Navy stated that the recovered items were handled in line with established procedures for combating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.

The service reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at dismantling illegal oil networks, restricting criminal activities across Nigeria’s waterways, and safeguarding the nation’s economic assets.

The latest operation adds to the Navy’s continued efforts to protect the country’s oil and gas infrastructure while strengthening security within the Niger Delta region.