By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has sustained the operational momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL with another significant breakthrough against crude oil theft networks, recovering approximately 52,600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and materials intended for illegal refining operations in Rivers State.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director Naval Information, Nigerian Navy disclosed this in a statement signed on Friday.
Acting on credible intelligence, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, conducting routine anti-crude oil theft patrols, intercepted two wooden boats positioned to offload suspected petroleum products at Ogoloma in Okrika Local Government Area._
A subsequent search revealed about 250 sacks containing approximately 52,600 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
The patrol team also recovered materials used in the construction of illegal refining sites, indicating preparations to expand illicit refining activities within the area.
The operation disrupted another attempt by criminal elements to feed Nigeria’s illegal refining value chain, denying economic saboteurs the crude oil and equipment required to sustain their operations and inflict further damage on the nation’s economy and environment.
The recovered products and associated materials were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained operational tempo in dismantling crude oil theft networks, disrupting illegal refining logistics, and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and interdicting all forms of maritime economic sabotage in support of national economic security.
