The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a major illicit petroleum distribution route in Rivers State, intercepting approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation aimed at curbing crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The interception was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to NNS PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL during a routine security patrol around the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel observed a wooden boat attempting to discharge its cargo under suspicious circumstances.
Further inspection revealed that the vessel was carrying about 375 sacks containing an estimated 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO. The discovery exposed what authorities described as a creek-to-market fuel transportation network used by criminal elements to move illicit petroleum products from illegal refining sites to commercial distribution channels.
The Navy noted that such networks serve as critical links between illegal refining camps and end users, enabling perpetrators to profit from stolen national resources while undermining the nation’s economy.
The wooden boat and its cargo were subsequently secured in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, preventing the products from entering the market.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle criminal networks involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining, transportation, and distribution of illicit petroleum products across the Niger Delta region.
Security experts say the latest interception highlights ongoing efforts by the Navy to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and curb activities that threaten economic stability and environmental sustainability in the oil-rich region.
