The Nigerian Navy says it has broken up an illegal distribution network for stolen petroleum products in Rivers State, recovering about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO.

Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS SOROH, carried out the intelligence-led raid under Operation Delta Sentinel. The team targeted creek routes used to move illegally refined products.

Confirming the operation, Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said troops deployed to Orashi Forest in Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual LGA, bordering Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa, acted on credible intelligence.

“On arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, along an adjoining creek,” Folorunsho stated.

A drone was then deployed for aerial surveillance. It spotted more concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds in the area. A follow-up search led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks.

In total, 81 sacks containing an estimated 22,870 litres of suspected illegal AGO were seized. The wooden boat used to transport the products was also taken out of circulation.

Folorunsho said all recovered products and the boat were handled in line with anti-crude oil theft procedures, disrupting the logistics chain for illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

“The operation demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle crude oil theft networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action across our waterways, and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets,” he added.

Source: Arise News