The Nigerian Navy has intercepted approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
- +Nigerian Navy seizes 22,870 litres of illegally refined diesel in Rivers
The seizure was disclosed in an operational report issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Capt.
The seizure was disclosed in an operational report issued on Sunday by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, which borders Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegally refined petroleum products through creek channels in the area.
He added that the intercepted wooden boat, which was allegedly used to transport the illegal products, was also seized during the operation.
The Navy said the recovered products and the wooden boat were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
The service noted that disrupting the logistics chain supporting illegal refining activities remains a key objective of Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Crude oil theft and illegal refining continue to pose major challenges to Nigeria’s oil industry, resulting in significant revenue losses, environmental degradation and damage to critical oil infrastructure.
On June 19, Nairametrics reported that the Nigerian Navy intercepted approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel and uncovered a suspected illicit petroleum distribution route in Rivers State.
Between January and March 2026, the operation led to the dismantling of 22 illegal refining sites and the recovery of more than 457,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.
