Major anti-oil theft operation hits illegal refiners as Navy tightens grip on maritime crime.
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers State during a targeted operation.
According to Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the raid—carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by NNS PATHFINDER—took place in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo axis following credible intelligence.
Naval operatives seized two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally refined diesel (AGO), while some armed accomplices reportedly fled on sighting the patrol team.
The arrested suspects and recovered products are now in custody, pending further investigation and prosecution.
The Navy says the operation aligns with directives from Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and maritime crimes.
Authorities have vowed to sustain pressure through intelligence-led patrols and stronger inter-agency collaboration to protect Nigeria’s critical assets.
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