Navy Intercepts 17,000 Litres of Suspected Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 17,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State as part of its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

The interception was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations within its area of responsibility.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folarunsho, the naval team intercepted a speedboat conveying the suspected illegally refined petroleum product along the Onne/Okrika waterways.

The recovered speedboat and the suspected illegally refined AGO have been handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals linked to the illegal operation.

The Navy said the latest operation underscores its commitment to disrupting illicit petroleum supply chains, denying economic saboteurs freedom of action and protecting the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure from criminal exploitation.

It added that it would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to combat crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.

The Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and contributing to the protection of the nation’s economic interests.