Navy Nabs 8 Suspects, Seizes 44,000 Litres of Illegal Fuel in Rivers

By Ifeyinwa Austine

The Nigerian Navy intercepted 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and arrested eight suspects in Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel.

The anti-crude oil theft patrol by NNS Pathfinder targeted Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas based on intelligence.

In a statement, the Naval Information Director, Captain AA Folorunsho confirmed, “The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL with the interception of a large consignment of illegally refined petroleum products and the arrest of suspected oil thieves.”

Two wooden boats were nabbed, with eight suspects caught, others fled. “The arrested suspects and recovered products are in custody and will be handed over to authorities for investigation and prosecution,” Folorunsho said.

The feat follows Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas’s directive to ramp up patrols against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and maritime crimes.

The Navy vows sustained intelligence-driven ops and inter-agency teamwork to protect national assets.