The Nigerian Navy has recorded another major success in its ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, recovering about 52,600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and materials intended for illegal refining operations in Rivers State.
The recovery was made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL during an intelligence-led operation conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER.
IAccording to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the patrol team intercepted two wooden boats attempting to offload suspected petroleum products at Ogoloma in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A search of the boats led to the discovery of about 250 sacks containing approximately 52,600 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. The team also recovered materials meant for the construction of illegal refining sites, suggesting plans by criminal elements to expand illicit refining activities in the area.
The Navy said the operation disrupted another attempt by oil thieves to supply Nigeria’s illegal refining network, denying economic saboteurs access to crude oil and equipment used to sustain their activities.
It added that the recovered products and associated materials were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The Navy noted that the successful operation reflects its sustained operational momentum in dismantling crude oil theft syndicates, disrupting illegal refining logistics, and safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations and intensified efforts to combat maritime economic sabotage in support of Nigeria’s economic security.
