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The Nigerian Navy, has recovered stolen and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) of approximately 1,600 litres in Rivers State forest during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation was carried out by Operation DELTA SENTINEL, as part of its activities to galvanise a sustained offensive against crude oil theft and illegally refined product.
Disclosing this, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho explained that the operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following credible intelligence on the movement and concealment of illegally refined petroleum products within Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, bordering Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The personnel who acted on swift intelligence, deployed Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) team to the Orashi Forest area where aerial surveillance using an unmanned system led to the identification of several sacks suspected to contain illegally refined AGO concealed beneath grasses within the forest.
Captain Folorunsho reiterated that subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of 16 sacks containing approximately 100 litres each, amounting to an estimated total of 1,600 litres of
product suspected to be illegally refined AGO.
However, no suspect was arrested as they were said to have fled the area upon sighting naval personnel.
Meanwhile, the recovered products were subsequently evacuated and handled in accordance with extant operational procedures.
Folorunsho added that the operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantling illegal refining networks and denying economic saboteurs freedom of action within the maritime and littoral environment.
He warned that the Nigerian Navy will not allow such illegality to permante as the maritime domain will continue to be unsafe haven for criminal elements who engaged in crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.
