Dare Babalola
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have seized approximately 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and apprehended eight individuals linked to oil theft in Rivers State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued late Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, who confirmed that the arrests were made in the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo general areas of the state.
Folorunsho explained that the operation followed actionable intelligence on illicit refining and distribution activities within the region. Acting on the information, personnel attached to NNS PATHFINDER deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team, which successfully intercepted two wooden boats conveying the suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, an ongoing naval initiative aimed at combating crude oil theft and related maritime crimes. The intercepted products were estimated at about 44,000 litres.
The Navy also confirmed that eight suspects connected to the illegal operation were taken into custody during the raid. However, several other accomplices reportedly escaped upon sighting the approaching naval patrol team.
The arrested individuals, along with the recovered petroleum products, are currently being held and are expected to be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Service noted that the successful operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who has tasked commanders to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime offences.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Navy stated that it would sustain the momentum of Operation Delta Sentinel through intelligence-led missions, increased patrols and stronger collaboration with other security agencies to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and critical economic assets.
