Navy intercepts 44,000 litres of illegal fuel, arrests eight in Rivers State

2026-03-22 - 18:23

By Kingsley Omonobi ABUJA — The Nigerian Navy on Sunday announced a major success in its fight against crude oil theft, intercepting 44,000 litres of illegally refined fuel and arresting eight suspects in Rivers State. Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that operatives under Operation Delta Sentinel carried out the operation over the weekend in the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas. “Acting on credible intelligence about illicit activities in the area, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team,” Folorunsho said. “This led to the interception of two wooden boats carrying approximately 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). “The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while additional armed accomplices fled upon sighting the naval patrol team.” He added that the arrested suspects and seized fuel are now in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution. The Navy affirmed that the operation aligns with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes nationwide. “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation Delta Sentinel through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced patrols, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets and economic interests,” Captain Folorunsho concluded.