Nigerian Navy Intercepts 103,500 Litres Of Illegal Diesel, Uncovers Creek-to-market Supply Network
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered what it described as another critical link in the illicit petroleum distribution chain, intercepting approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Rivers State.
According to the NN in a statement on Saturday, the discovery was made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL during routine security patrols around the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Port Harcourt.
According to the Service, operatives observed a wooden boat attempting to offload its contents under suspicious circumstances. A subsequent search revealed that the vessel was carrying about 375 sacks containing an estimated 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The seizure, naval authorities said, points to an organised effort by economic saboteurs to move illicit petroleum products from remote creek locations into legitimate commercial distribution channels.
The operation also exposed a suspected “creek-to-market” fuel transportation route allegedly used by criminal networks involved in the illegal petroleum trade. Such networks, the Navy noted, serve as vital links between illegal refining camps and end users, enabling perpetrators to profit from stolen national resources.
Following the interception, the wooden boat and its cargo were secured and processed in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively preventing the products from entering the supply chain.
The successful operation is the latest in a series of intelligence-led interventions aimed at disrupting the logistics and distribution networks that sustain crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle criminal networks engaged in crude oil theft, illegal refining, transportation and distribution of illicit petroleum products.
The Service stated that ongoing intelligence-driven operations remain critical to protecting Nigeria’s oil assets, safeguarding the maritime environment and denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to profit from illegal activities within the nation’s waterways.
