Navy seizes over 92,660 litres of smuggled fuel, breaks up illicit oil trafficking ring in Rivers state

Nigerian Navy operatives have made a significant seizure, recovering 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and dismantling an oil theft network operating along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor through Operation Delta Sentinel.

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The operation led to the discovery of the products concealed in 138 sacks within creek-side locations in Rivers State, thanks to a thorough search conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh.

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According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, the recovery was made possible by credible intelligence and coordinated surveillance efforts, which culminated in the deployment of personnel to Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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Aerial surveillance and follow-up search operations in the area uncovered the hidden products, with about 138 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO found concealed under vegetation and at various points along adjoining waterways.

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The operation has exposed the increasing use of hidden creek-side storage facilities by criminal syndicates involved in illegal petroleum activities, a tactic that is becoming more prevalent according to the Navy spokesman.

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As Captain Folorunsho noted, the operation highlights the growing use of concealed creek-side storage points by criminal networks involved in the illegal petroleum trade, a trend that the Navy is working to disrupt.

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The recovered products were handled in accordance with existing regulations, thereby denying those behind the illegal activities access to resources intended to sustain their operations, as stated by the Navy spokesman.

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By handling the recovered products in line with extant regulations, the Navy has prevented economic saboteurs from accessing resources intended to sustain illicit activities, according to Captain Folorunsho.

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The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at combating crude oil theft and dismantling illegal petroleum distribution networks across the Niger Delta.

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The Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting crude oil theft and illegal petroleum distribution networks across the Niger Delta, as reaffirmed by Captain Folorunsho.