Military authorities turn over eight suspected fuel smugglers, 44,000 litres of stolen diesel to anti-graft agency

In a significant crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, based in Port Harcourt, has apprehended eight individuals suspected of involvement in this illicit activity and seized 44,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Rivers State.

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The Navy has handed over the suspects and the confiscated items to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and potential prosecution, marking a crucial step in the efforts to combat oil theft.

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According to Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, the successful operation was made possible by "critical and credible intelligence" gathered on illegal bunkering activities in the Degema and Obologo areas of Rivers State.

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Raji, who was represented by Acting Base Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Justin Jerome, revealed that the breakthrough occurred during a high-risk patrol conducted on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

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At approximately 0115 hours on March 22, the naval patrol team encountered a boat escorted by armed elements believed to be affiliated with illegal groups, prompting the criminal elements to flee the scene upon sighting the naval team.

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A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of 423 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, also known as Diesel, with each sack containing 106 litres, resulting in a total of about 44,000 litres.

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The operation was carried out under the auspices of Operation Delta Sentinel, in accordance with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, aimed at combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria's maritime environment.

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Upon receiving the suspects, EFCC Superintendent Blessing Emereole, representing the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, stated that the commission would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

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Emereole noted that if the suspects are found culpable, they will be prosecuted, emphasizing the commission's commitment to investigating the case discreetly.

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In an interview, the leader of the eight arrested suspects, identified as Sokari, claimed that he was unaware the operation was illegal, stating that they were simply loaders who did not realize the nature of the activity until they arrived at the scene.

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The arrest of the suspects and seizure of the products underscores the ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle illegal refining networks in the Niger Delta and eradicate acts of economic sabotage.

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This development is reminiscent of a similar incident on Monday, in which the Nigerian Navy intercepted approximately 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers.

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Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, explained that the naval patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats laden with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.