By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Rivers State.
The seizure was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL during a routine security patrol around the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State.
This information was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
Humsi Media Online gathered that the discovery uncovered a major link in the illicit petroleum distribution network.
The statement said that naval operatives observed a wooden boat attempting to discharge its cargo under suspicious circumstances.
“A subsequent inspection revealed that the vessel was carrying about 375 sacks containing an estimated 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO”.
The Navy said the discovery exposed a suspected “creek-to-market” petroleum supply route allegedly used by criminal syndicates to transport illegally refined products from remote creek locations into commercial distribution channels.
The statement said that such networks serve as critical links between illegal refining camps and end-users, enabling economic saboteurs to profit from stolen national resources while undermining the nation’s economy.
“The operation revealed an organised effort to move illicit petroleum products from remote creek locations into commercial distribution channels,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the intercepted boat and its cargo were secured in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively preventing the products from entering the market.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining, transportation, and distribution of petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
The statement said that ongoing efforts would continue to target all aspects of the illicit petroleum value chain to safeguard Nigeria’s economic assets and strengthen maritime security in the region.
