The Nigerian Navy has seized over 135,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel oil, through various interceptions aimed at curbing oil theft and illegal distribution of oil in Rivers State.
These intercepts were carried out by members of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER during an exercise named ‘Operation DELTA SENTINEL’ which is geared towards combating oil theft and protecting national economic resources.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the interception was done within the Onne and Abonema areas in the creeks where it was suspected that the stolen and illegally refined oil is transported for distribution.
The Navy also apprehended another boat with drums and jerry cans carrying about 63,000 liters of suspiciously stolen diesel near the entrance of Owogono Creek in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area. According to reports, the perpetrators abandoned the boat and went into hiding when they sighted security operatives.
In a different incident in Abonema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, the Navy intercepted a wooden boat carrying an estimated 72,000 liters of illegally refined diesel packed in sacks. The cargo was alleged to have been moving through the waterways to be distributed before the disruption by the Nigerian Navy.
According to Folorunsho, the seizure of these illicit cargoes demonstrates how oil thieves and illegal fuel traders continue to make use of the waterways in Rivers State.
As he explained, the recovered goods and vessels were processed in accordance with the set guidelines against the theft of crude oil.
To further stress the Navy’s resolve to fight against oil theft, Folorunsho added that the force will pursue intelligence-driven activities designed to frustrate any attempt by criminals to refine crude oil illegally.
