Navy busts oil thieves, seizes 44,000 litres illegal product in Rivers

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Eight suspects have been arrested with about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products naval personnel in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo axis of Rivers State.

The operation in Rivers was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information said in a statement on Sunday.

Folorunsho said the naval patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats laden with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and arrested eight suspects linked to the illegal activity.

He, however, said while some armed accomplices of the suspects fled on 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 feat aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, mandating intensified operations against crude oil theft and maritime crimes.

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

The Spokesperson reaffirmed Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting critical national assets.

(NAN)