Navy Intercepts 15,000 Litres of Illegal Fuel in Rivers, Intensifies Crackdown on Oil Theft
By Onwe Wisdom, Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 15,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State, as part of ongoing operations to curb crude oil theft and safeguard the nation’s economic assets.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued on April 2, 2026, by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain AA Folorunsho.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, following credible intelligence that led personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER to deploy an anti-crude oil theft patrol team to the Abua-Odual and Ogbologo general areas.
“Two wooden boats conveying about 15,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were intercepted,” the Navy stated.
It explained that the suspects fled upon sighting naval operatives, abandoning both the boats and the illegal products in a bid to evade arrest.
“Upon sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators abandoned their boats and fled into the surrounding creeks in an effort to evade arrest,” the statement added.
The Navy noted that the recovered items were secured and handled in line with established operational procedures, emphasizing that the success of the mission reflects its sustained commitment to combating oil theft and illegal bunkering.
“This successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to disrupting illegal oil bunkering activities,” the statement said, adding that the effort aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify intelligence-driven operations.
Reaffirming its resolve, the Navy stressed that it “remains dedicated to maintaining the tempo of Operation Delta Sentinel to protect Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure and economic interests,” while vowing to continue the fight against economic saboteurs operating within the maritime domain.
