The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing clampdown on crude oil theft, intercepting 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined fuel and apprehending eight individuals in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, took place over the weekend across Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas, according to the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho. He explained that the success followed actionable intelligence on illicit activities within the region.
“Acting on credible intelligence about illicit activities in the area, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team,” Folorunsho said. “This led to the interception of two wooden boats carrying approximately 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
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“The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while additional armed accomplices fled upon sighting the naval patrol team.”
He noted that both the suspects and the seized products are currently in custody and will be transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Navy reiterated that the operation aligns with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes across the country.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation Delta Sentinel through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced patrols, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets and economic interests,” Captain Folorunsho concluded.
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