Mariam Sanni
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its operational momentum against crude oil theft with another intelligence-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, disrupting the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through the creek corridors of Rivers State.
In a press statement by Naval Spokesperson, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, explained that the acting on credible intelligence, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed to the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following reports of suspected movement of illegally refined products._
He added that on arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along an adjoining creek.
He noted that to further exploit the intelligence, aerial surveillance was conducted using a drone, leading to the identification of additional concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the general area.
“A detailed search subsequently led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed at different locations, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres. The operation also denied criminal elements the use of the intercepted wooden boat for the transportation of illicit petroleum products.
“The recovered products and the wooden boat were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures, further disrupting the logistics chain supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle crude oil theft networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action across the nation’s waterways, and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets,” he stated.
