The Nigerian Navy has arrested eight suspected oil thieves in Rivers State and recovered 44,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), handing them over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and possible prosecution.
The operation, conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, followed “critical and credible intelligence” on illegal bunkering activities in Degema and Obologho communities, Commander Mutalib Ibikunle Raji said on Monday.
He was represented by the Acting Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Justin Jerome, during a briefing at the naval facility in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
Raji explained that the breakthrough occurred during a high-risk patrol on Sunday, March 22.
“At about 0115 hours, our team intercepted a boat escorted by armed elements suspected to be linked to illegal bunkering.
On sighting the naval patrol, the suspects fled, but subsequent searches led to the discovery of 423 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, each containing 106 litres, totalling approximately 44,000 litres,” he said.
The Commander noted that the exercise was part of Operation Delta Sentinel, a naval initiative aimed at curbing crude oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment, in line with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal.
Receiving the suspects, EFCC Superintendent Blessing Emereole, representing the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, assured that the commission would carry out a thorough investigation.
“This matter will be investigated discreetly. If found culpable, the suspects will be prosecuted,” she said.
One of the suspects, Sokari, claimed ignorance of the illegality of the operation, saying, “We were just loaders. I didn’t know it was illegal bunkering until we got there.”
The arrests underscored the ongoing crackdown on illegal refining networks in the Niger Delta, part of broader efforts to halt economic sabotage and secure the nation’s oil infrastructure.
The Navy had earlier confirmed the seizure of the same quantity of refined petroleum products and the apprehension of eight suspects during the interception of two wooden boats laden with AGO, acting on credible intelligence, according to Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.