Nigerian Navy Seizes Illegal Fuel Consignment, Arrests 8 Suspected Oil Thieves In Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success under Operation
DELTA SENTINEL with the interception of a large consignment of illegally
refined petroleum products and the arrest of suspected oil thieves in the
Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo general areas of Rivers State.

This operational breakthrough was contained in a statement signed by Navy Captain AA Folorunsho,
Director Naval Information, over the weekend.

According to the statement, acting on credible
intelligence on ongoing illicit activities within the area, personnel of Nigerian
Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team
which led to the interception of two wooden boats laden with about 44,000 litres
of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The operation also
resulted in the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while
additional armed accomplices fled the scene upon sighting the naval patrol
team.

The arrested suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and will
be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and
possible prosecution.

The Nigerian Navy reiterates that this success aligns with
the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who has
charged operational commanders to intensify efforts against crude oil theft,
illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes across the nation’s maritime
domain.

Accordingly, the Service remains committed to sustaining the
operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intelligence-driven
operations, enhanced patrols and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard
Nigeria’s critical national assets and economic interests.