Navy seizes smuggled fuel, apprehends eight individuals in crackdown on illicit oil operations

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The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers.

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This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho.

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Folorunsho said the operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo axis.

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He explained that the naval patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats laden with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

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According to him, the operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while some armed accomplices fled on sighting the patrol team.

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“The arrested suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

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Folorunsho noted that the feat aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, mandating intensified operations against crude oil theft and maritime crimes.

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He added that the Navy would sustain the tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced patrols and inter-agency collaboration.

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The spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting critical national assets.

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