Priye Briggs
The Nigerian Navy says it has dismantled a channel used for moving illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State through a targeted operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
In a statement released in Abuja, Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, confirmed that troops from Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH carried out the mission in Orashi Forest, near Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual LGA, on the boundary with Bayelsa’s Ogbia LGA.
Acting on intelligence about petroleum products being moved through creek routes, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat carrying 36 sacks of suspected illegal Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Drone surveillance was then deployed, revealing more hidden stockpiles tucked under foliage and submerged in ponds. A detailed search uncovered an additional 45 sacks, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres of illegally refined diesel.
Folorunsho explained that both the boat and the products were handled according to standard anti-oil theft protocols. He stressed that the operation further weakens the supply chain sustaining illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.
He added that the Navy, constitutionally mandated to defend Nigeria’s maritime domain, will continue running intelligence-driven missions to break up crude oil theft rings, block criminals from exploiting waterways, and safeguard the country’s energy infrastructure.