Navy Intercepts 44,000 Litres Of Illegal Fuel, Arrests 8 In Rivers

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

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho.

According to Folorunsho, the operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo axis of the state.

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

The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while some armed accomplices reportedly fled upon sighting the patrol team.

“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.

Folorunsho noted that the successful operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

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