The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Pathfinder in the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo axis.
He explained that acting on credible intelligence, the naval patrol team intercepted two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Eight suspects linked to the activity were arrested, while some armed accomplices fled upon sighting the patrol team.
Folorunsho added that the suspects and seized products are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He noted that the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and maritime crimes.
The Navy, he said, will sustain the momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intelligence-led operations, increased patrols and collaboration with other agencies, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and critical national assets.
