The Nigerian Navy has intercepted approximately 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and taken eight individuals into custody in Rivers State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, which indicated that the operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas.
According to the navy, the interception followed actionable intelligence, leading patrol operatives to two wooden boats loaded with what is believed to be illegally refined diesel.
The statement further revealed that eight suspects connected to the operation were apprehended, while several armed collaborators reportedly escaped upon sighting the naval team.
“The arrested suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” it said.
The navy stated that the success of the mission aligns with directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, which call for intensified action against crude oil theft and other maritime offences.
It added that efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL would be sustained through intelligence-led strategies, increased patrol activities, and closer cooperation with other security agencies.
The statement also reiterated the navy’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment and safeguard vital national resources.
