Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Nigerian Navy says it has recovered about one thousand six hundred litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel, during a major anti-crude oil theft operation in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH following intelligence reports on the movement and concealment of illegally refined petroleum products in Okolomade Community, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Naval operatives reportedly moved into the Orashi Forest area where aerial surveillance using an unmanned system helped identify several sacks hidden beneath grasses in the forest.
According to the Navy , further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of sixteen sacks containing about one hundred litres each of suspected illegally refined diesel, bringing the total volume recovered to an estimated one thousand six hundred litres.
The suspects were said to have fled the scene on sighting naval personnel, and no arrests were made during the operation. The recovered products were however evacuated in line with operational procedures.
In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the operation highlights its determination to dismantle illegal refining networks and combat crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region.
The Navy also warned that there will be no hiding place for individuals involved in economic sabotage, stressing that ongoing operations across waterways and creeks are aimed at protecting Nigeria’s oil assets and boosting national economic security.
The crackdown is part of wider efforts by security agencies to curb oil theft, environmental pollution, and revenue losses linked to illegal refining activities in the country’s oil-producing communities.