Nigerian Navy Disrupts Illegal Fuel Distribution Hub, Recovers 13,000 Litres of Suspected Illicit Diesel in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign with the dismantling of an illegal fuel distribution hub and the recovery of about 13,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, led to the discovery of an illegal petroleum products storage and distribution facility equipped with large-capacity storage tanks, reservoirs, drums, hoses and other equipment used for the unlawful handling and distribution of petroleum products.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the recovered petroleum products and associated facilities were handled in line with established operational procedures.

According to the statement, the illegal facility is believed to have supported criminal activities associated with the unlawful petroleum products trade, posing a threat to Nigeria's economic interests and the integrity of the nation's oil and gas infrastructure.

The Navy disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals connected with the illegal operation.

It noted that the latest success marks another significant milestone in its sustained campaign to dismantle the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government's efforts to boost crude oil production and improve national revenue through sustained operations against economic saboteurs.

The statement added that the Nigerian Navy would continue to intensify Operation DELTA SENTINEL and other lawful operations aimed at safeguarding the nation's oil and gas infrastructure while denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate within Nigeria's maritime domain.