Navy raids clandestine fuel storage facility, confiscates 87,000 litres in Rivers State operation

The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, with the discovery of a hidden fuel storage facility and the recovery of around 87,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in the Okarki axis of Rivers State.

n

This latest development is part of Operation Delta Sentinel, the military's ongoing campaign to dismantle illegal refining sites, disrupt crude oil theft networks, and protect critical national oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta.

n

In recent months, the Federal Government has intensified security operations against crude oil theft, viewing it as a significant threat to Nigeria's economy and oil production targets.

n

The military has consistently stated that its sustained operations under various security initiatives aim to dismantle illegal refining camps, arrest oil thieves, and safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta.

n

A statement released by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunso, on Sunday, revealed that the discovery is the result of coordinated operations against economic sabotage in the oil-rich region, where illegal refining and crude oil theft remain major challenges.

n

According to the Navy, the operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, who acted on credible intelligence to disrupt a concealed fuel storage facility and recover approximately 87,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.

n

The Navy's statement noted that the operation led to the discovery of a hidden storage facility used for the illegal stockpiling of petroleum products, including equipment associated with the unlawful storage and handling of these products.

n

The operation resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of suspected illegally refined petroleum products, with the Navy handling the recovered items in accordance with standard operational procedures.

n

The discovery has further exposed the tactics employed by criminal networks involved in illegal refining and petroleum product distribution across the Niger Delta, highlighting their efforts to establish concealed storage and distribution points.

n

By identifying and dismantling such facilities, the Nigerian Navy is degrading the logistics infrastructure that supports crude oil theft, illegal refining, and other forms of economic sabotage, the Navy said.

n

The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy's commitment to combating oil theft and protecting national assets, with the aim of supporting the country's economic growth and the Federal Government's efforts to enhance crude oil production.