Navy Seizes 44,000 Litres of Illegal Fuel, Arrests Eight in Rivers Crackdown

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy says it has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined fuel and arrested eight people during an anti-oil theft operation in Rivers State.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel in the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo areas following intelligence reports of illegal refining activities.

Naval personnel deployed from Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder intercepted two wooden boats loaded with the fuel, believed to be Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). The navy said several other suspects fled the scene on sighting the patrol team.

The arrested individuals and recovered products are now in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The navy said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, in line with directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

It added that it would continue to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations, working with other agencies to protect Nigeria’s maritime resources and economic assets.