The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and apprehended eight suspects during an operation in Rivers State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said the operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was executed by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER within the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo axis of the state.
According to him, the naval team acted on credible intelligence to intercept two wooden boats conveying large quantities of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
He added that eight suspects linked to the illegal operation were arrested, while some armed accomplices reportedly fled upon sighting the patrol team.
“The suspects and the seized products are currently in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
Folorunsho noted that the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
He assured that the Navy would sustain the momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intelligence-driven strategies, increased patrols and collaboration with other security agencies.
The Navy also reiterated its commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting critical national assets.