(SINL NIGERIA) The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major operational breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities in the Niger Delta, recovering 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed within the Rivers-Bayelsa border corridor.
The recovery was made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following credible intelligence that led personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH to Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, aerial surveillance and follow-on search operations conducted by the naval team uncovered approximately 138 sacks containing the suspected illegally refined AGO.
The products were reportedly hidden under vegetation and in several locations along adjoining waterways in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
The Navy said the discovery underscores the evolving tactics employed by criminal networks involved in the illegal petroleum trade, particularly the use of concealed creek-side storage facilities to stockpile refined products.
“The recovered petroleum products were subsequently handled in accordance with extant regulations, effectively denying economic saboteurs access to resources intended to sustain illicit operations”.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the nation’s economic assets, the Nigerian Navy stated that it would continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft syndicates and disrupting illegal petroleum distribution networks across the Niger Delta region.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that the latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to combat oil theft, safeguard critical national infrastructure, and support the Federal Government’s drive to boost crude oil production and revenue generation.
