Navy Intercepts Boats, Tugboat, Uncovers 140,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Petroleum in Delta

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats and a tugboat and uncovered about 140,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in separate operations in Delta State.

The operations, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, took place at different locations within its area of responsibility on October 26 and 28, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operations led to the interception of approximately 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and 20,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil.

According to the statement, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 40,000 litres of AGO at Aruton Creek on October 26.

On the same day, another operation around the Oteghele general area led to the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing approximately 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.

The Navy said a further operation at Ijala Creek on October 28 resulted in the interception of another wooden boat carrying about 80,000 litres of AGO while discharging the product into a tugboat.

It added that the crews of both vessels abandoned them and fled upon sighting approaching naval gunboats, leading to the seizure of the vessels.

The Navy said the operations were part of sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft, dismantle illegal petroleum storage and distribution networks and protect the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.

It reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations and maritime patrols to curb economic sabotage and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.