The Nigerian Navy, through Operation DELTA SENTINEL, discovered 119,850 litres of crude oil believed to be stolen at an illegal refining site in Ogbogolo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
This information came from an operation report shared by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, with journalists on Friday in Abuja.
Captain Folorunsho explained that the operation also led to the recovery of 350 litres of suspected illegally refined petrol and 25 parcels of suspected Cannabis sativa.
He said the discovery happened on 17 September when personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH acted on credible intelligence about the site.
He added that “the suspected stolen crude oil was found in five dugout pits, while the suspected illegally refined AGO was recovered in six sacks.
“No arrest was made as the suspects fled on sighting the naval personnel. The recovered products and suspected illicit substances were handled in accordance with extant regulations.”
Captain Folorunsho mentioned that this latest success comes just days after a Federal High Court in Uyo convicted nine crude oil thieves. They faced justice after being caught during a Nigerian Navy-led operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
He pointed out that this shows the growing impact of the operation. It combines strong maritime and riverine actions with intelligence-led efforts to fight crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
“The operational gains and successful prosecution of offenders demonstrate the significance of the navy’s sustained efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
“Beyond recovering stolen petroleum products, the operation continues to destroy the infrastructure that supports the illegal trade while strengthening the process from detection and arrest to prosecution and conviction,” he said.
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