By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects during an anti–oil theft operation in Rivers State, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeted illegal refining activities along the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo axis in the Niger Delta region.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the interception occurred after naval personnel received credible intelligence about illegal fuel transportation in the area.
Acting on the information, operatives from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder launched a patrol that led to the discovery of two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Folorunsho explained that the patrol team moved swiftly to intercept the boats and apprehended eight suspects believed to be involved in the illegal activity.
However, some armed accomplices reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the naval officers. The seized petroleum products and the suspects are currently in custody pending further investigation.
The Navy spokesperson added that the confiscated products and arrested individuals would be handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and possible prosecution, in line with Nigeria’s laws against crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He said the operation was conducted in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who recently ordered intensified actions against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other maritime crimes threatening Nigeria’s economic stability.
Folorunsho noted that the success of the mission highlights the Navy’s continued commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical national assets.
He also emphasized that intelligence-driven operations, coordinated patrols and collaboration with other security agencies remain central to the Navy’s strategy in tackling illegal oil activities.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed that Operation DELTA SENTINEL will continue across strategic waterways in the Niger Delta to deter criminal networks involved in illegal refining, oil theft and maritime smuggling.
