Navy recovers 85,000 litres of stolen crude products in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a clandestine fuel storage facility and seized approximately 87,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation in the Okarki axis of Rivers State. The raid took place under Operation Delta Sentinel, a military initiative targeting illegal oil refining and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. The discovery marks another step in the government's broader effort to combat economic sabotage in the region, which has long been plagued by these activities. The operation was conducted by personnel aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH following credible intelligence reports. According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunso, the facility was found to contain petroleum products believed to be derived from illegal refining processes, along with equipment used for the unauthorized storage and handling of such goods. The recovered materials were processed according to existing protocols to ensure proper documentation and disposal. The Nigerian Navy has been actively engaged in a series of operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining camps and disrupting crude oil theft networks. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to secure Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and meet national production targets. The Federal Government has emphasized the importance of these measures, citing the threat posed by oil theft to both the economy and energy output. The discovery of the hidden storage facility in Rivers State illustrates the persistence of criminal networks operating in the Niger Delta. These groups have continued to develop covert methods to store and distribute illicit petroleum products despite previous crackdowns by security forces. The Nigerian Navy highlighted that this operation demonstrates its determination to disrupt such logistical networks and undermine the operations of economic saboteurs. In response to the findings, the Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national assets and supporting the country’s economic development. It stressed that the seizure of the illegal fuel depot aligns with its mission to prevent the exploitation of Nigeria’s oil resources by unauthorized actors. The operation also serves as a warning to those engaged in illegal refining and oil theft, reinforcing the military’s stance on the issue. Security agencies have maintained a heightened presence in the Niger Delta over the past several months, intensifying their focus on curbing oil-related crimes. This includes not only the seizure of illegal fuel depots but also the arrest of individuals involved in crude oil theft. The government has consistently described these activities as a major obstacle to achieving its economic goals and ensuring the stability of the nation’s oil industry. The Nigerian Navy’s actions reflect a broader trend of increased security coordination among federal and state authorities. While the exact number of arrests made during the operation was not disclosed, the Navy confirmed that the recovered materials were being handled in compliance with established procedures. The operation is expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of illegal oil refining and theft in the region.