Mariam Sanni
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the interception of over 135,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and the disruption of illicit fuel transportation networks across Rivers State waterways.
In a statement, the Director Naval Information
Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho stated that personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER made the recoveries during separate anti-crude oil theft operations around the Onne and Abonema general areas.
According to him, in the first operation, troops on routine patrol intercepted a fibre boat laden with drums and jerrycans containing suspected stolen AGO at the entrance of Owogono Creek in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area.
He added that the boat and its approximately 63,000 litres of cargo were recovered after the operators abandoned them and fled into adjoining creeks.
“In a related operation, naval patrol teams operating around Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area intercepted a wooden boat conveying approximately 72,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed in several sacks. The products were being transported through the waterways for onward distribution before the operation disrupted the movement.
“The recoveries underscore the continued use of the region’s creek networks by criminal elements to transport and distribute illegally refined petroleum products. All recovered products and associated conveyances were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks, disrupting illicit fuel supply chains, and protecting Nigeria’s economic assets within the maritime environment,” the statement reads.
