Navy Intercepts 92,660 Litres of Illegally Refined Diesel in Rivers

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in its campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, recovering 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, along the Rivers-Bayelsa border.

The recovery was made under Operation Delta Sentinel following intelligence reports that led personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH to the Okolomade community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, aerial surveillance and follow-up search operations uncovered about 138 sacks containing suspected illegally refined diesel. The products were reportedly hidden beneath thick vegetation and at several concealed locations along adjoining waterways.

The maritime force said the discovery highlights the evolving tactics being adopted by illegal petroleum operators, who increasingly use remote creek corridors and hidden storage points to evade detection by security agencies.

Mr Folorunsho noted that the recovered products were handled in line with existing regulatory procedures, effectively preventing them from being distributed through illegal channels.

He stated that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining and unauthorised petroleum distribution across the Niger Delta. Solid minerals reports

“The operation demonstrates our continued commitment to intelligence-driven actions aimed at disrupting economic sabotage and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas assets,” the statement said.

The latest recovery adds to a series of recent successes recorded by security agencies in the region as authorities intensify efforts to curb oil theft, protect national revenue, improve environmental security in oil-producing communities and help the Nigerian economy

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the Niger Delta, stressing that collaboration with local communities and timely intelligence remain critical to combating illegal petroleum activities.