The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal petroleum operations in the Niger Delta following the discovery of a hidden cache of suspected illegally refined fuel along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.
The Service’s Director of Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, who made this known on Tuesday, said the discovery was made during ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH after intelligence reports revealed suspicious movement of petroleum products around the Okarki Community waterside in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Naval operatives deployed to the area reportedly conducted aerial surveillance, which exposed several sacks concealed within thick vegetation along the creek environment.
Further search operations led to the recovery of about 3,800 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in 38 sacks.
According to the Navy, the operation underscores the increasing use of remote creek corridors and concealed transit points by illegal fuel syndicates to store and transport products through illicit distribution channels.
No arrests were made as the suspects fled before troops arrived at the location. However, the recovered products were secured and handled in line with operational procedures.
The Nigerian Navy said ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL are focused on disrupting the movement networks sustaining illegal petroleum activities across the Niger Delta through sustained surveillance, destruction of hidden storage facilities and restriction of criminal mobility within the creeks.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and combating economic sabotage in the maritime environment.
