By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and recovered a large consignment of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in a sustained crackdown on oil theft and related economic sabotage within the Niger Delta region.
A total of 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel were recovered during an intelligence-driven operation conducted along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor under the ongoing naval initiative, Operation Delta Sentinel.
The operation, carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, took place in Okolomade Community, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the success followed credible intelligence that prompted coordinated aerial surveillance and ground follow-up searches across difficult creek-side terrain.
During the operation, naval personnel discovered approximately 138 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO. The products were reportedly concealed under thick vegetation and strategically hidden across multiple locations along adjoining waterways, in what authorities described as an attempt by criminal elements to evade detection.
The Navy noted that the concealment method reflects an evolving pattern among oil theft syndicates, who increasingly rely on remote forest and creek storage points to accumulate stolen petroleum products before distribution.
Captain Folorunsho further explained that the recovered products were handled in strict compliance with established procedures, effectively denying economic saboteurs access to resources used to sustain illegal refining operations and other forms of petroleum-related crime.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations across the Niger Delta, stressing that sustained pressure will be maintained on crude oil thieves, illegal refiners, and criminal networks undermining the nation’s oil and gas sector.
It added that Nigerian Navy remains fully committed to safeguarding critical national assets and ensuring maritime security through coordinated operations under initiatives such as Operation Delta Sentinel.
Operation Delta Sentinel continues to serve as a key framework for disrupting illicit activities within Nigeria’s maritime environment, particularly across vulnerable creeks and waterways frequently exploited for illegal oil refining and distribution.
