Nigerian Navy seizes 22,870 litres of illegal fuel in Rivers

Monday, June 29, 2026 - The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational report issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through creek channels bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Folorunsho said the naval patrol team intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO along an adjoining creek.

“On arrival, the patrol team intercepted a wooden boat conveying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along an adjoining creek,” he said.

He added that the team deployed a drone for aerial surveillance to expand the operation.

“To further exploit the intelligence, aerial surveillance was conducted using a drone, leading to the identification of additional concealed stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds within the general area.

“A detailed search subsequently led to the recovery of an additional 45 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO concealed at different locations, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks containing approximately 22,870 litres,” Folorunsho said.

He noted that the operation also prevented criminal elements from using the intercepted wooden boat to transport illegally refined petroleum products.

According to him, the recovered products and the boat were handled in line with existing anti-crude oil theft procedures, disrupting the logistics network supporting illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks, denying criminal elements freedom of operation on Nigeria’s waterways and protecting the nation’s critical economic assets.

Operation DELTA SENTINEL is one of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal refining and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta.

The operation combines intelligence gathering, waterborne patrols and aerial surveillance to disrupt criminal networks responsible for economic sabotage and protect Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.