The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on oil-related crimes in Rivers State, recovering more than 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during separate operations.
The seizures were carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
He explained that the operations targeted illegal fuel movement across waterways in the Onne and Abonema areas, leading to the interception of “over 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).”
One of the operations took place around Owogono Creek in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, where naval operatives discovered a fibre boat loaded with large quantities of suspected stolen fuel stored in drums and jerrycans. The suspects reportedly escaped through nearby creeks, leaving behind the vessel and its contents.
The Navy estimated that about 63,000 litres of fuel were recovered from the abandoned boat after “the operators abandoned them and fled into adjoining creeks.”
In a separate operation near Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, officers intercepted another boat carrying approximately 72,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed inside sacks.
Folorunsho noted that the products “were being transported through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the movement.”
The Navy said the discoveries reflect the continued use of river channels by individuals involved in illegal petroleum activities. According to the statement, “the recoveries underscore the continued use of the region’s creek networks by criminal elements to transport and distribute illegally refined petroleum products.”
All recovered fuel and boats have been processed in line with existing anti-crude oil theft regulations.
Reaffirming the Navy’s resolve to combat oil theft, Folorunsho stated, “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks, disrupting illicit fuel supply chains, and protecting Nigeria’s economic assets within the maritime environment.”