The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and seized a vehicle allegedly used in an illicit petroleum distribution network in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Navy’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign across the Niger Delta.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence reports indicating the movement of suspected illegally refined petroleum products through the Okolomade Community axis of Abua-Odual Local Government Area in Rivers State.
During a search operation within the Orashi Forest, naval operatives intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be transporting illegally refined diesel. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 17 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO.
Further exploitation of the area uncovered additional stockpiles concealed beneath thick vegetation at various locations within the forest. Naval personnel recovered another 56 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel strategically hidden across the area.
In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 73 sacks containing approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, alongside the vehicle believed to have been used for transportation.
Captain Folorunsho stated that the discovery revealed the increasing use of remote forest corridors and concealed storage facilities by criminal networks involved in illegal refining and petroleum product distribution.
He noted that the operation successfully disrupted a critical segment of the illicit petroleum supply chain used to move products from remote locations into commercial markets.
The recovered petroleum products were handled in accordance with existing regulations, while the seized vehicle has been secured for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest interception comes barely three days after the Navy announced the seizure of approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel concealed in 375 sacks aboard a wooden boat at the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains one of the Nigerian Navy’s major strategies in the fight against crude oil theft, illegal refining, and petroleum smuggling across the Niger Delta region.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to combat oil theft and protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources. Between January and March 2026, Operation DELTA SENTINEL dismantled 22 illegal refining sites and recovered over 457,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.
The sustained operations underscore the commitment of security agencies to safeguarding national revenue, protecting critical oil infrastructure, and dismantling criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
FaceToFace TV News Desk
