Navy Intercepts 2 Wooden Boats, Tugboat, Recovers 140,000 Litres Of Petroleum Products In Delta

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats, a tugboat and recovered 140,000 litres of stolen crude in Delta State.
A statement by the Spokesman Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the interception followed a sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and other forms of petroleum-related economic sabotage under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta following a series of operations conducted within its Area of Operations in Delta State on 26 and 28 October 2026 intercepted two wooden boats, a tugboat and recovered approximately 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 20,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil.

He explained that naval personnel in the first operation at Aruton Creek on 26 October 2026 intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 40,000 litres of AGO.

Also a separate operation around Oteghele general area on the same day led to the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing approximately 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.

Relatedly, naval personnel at Ijala Creek on 28 October 2026 intercepted a wooden boat carrying an estimated 80,000 litres of AGO while discharging the product into a tugboat.

“The crews of both vessels abandoned them and fled upon sighting the approaching naval gunboats, leading to the subsequent arrest of the vessels,” he said.

Folorunsho said the successful interceptions underscore the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to combating crude oil theft, disrupting illegal petroleum storage and distribution networks, and Protecting the nation’s critical oil and gas assets.

He Assures that the Nigerian Navy will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations and maritime patrols to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.