June 29 (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Navy has intercepted approximately 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Rivers State, intensifying its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
The seizure was made during an intelligence-driven operation under Operation Delta Sentinel, the Navy’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign, in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating the movement of suspected illegally refined petroleum products through the creek network linking Rivers and neighbouring Bayelsa State.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the patrol team moved into the area on Saturday, June 28, 2026, and intercepted a wooden boat transporting 36 sacks containing suspected illegally refined diesel along an adjoining creek.
To expand the search, the operatives deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) for aerial surveillance. The drone reportedly detected additional stockpiles concealed beneath thick vegetation and inside ponds scattered across the forested terrain.
A follow-up ground operation led to the discovery of another 45 sacks of the suspected petroleum product hidden at multiple locations, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks, estimated to contain about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The Navy also impounded the wooden boat used in conveying the products.
Confirming the operation in a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the recovered products and the seized vessel had been processed in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining pressure on oil thieves and illegal refiners operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“The Service remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle crude oil theft networks, deny criminal elements freedom of action across the nation’s waterways, and protect Nigeria’s strategic economic assets”, Folorunsho said.
The latest seizure underscores the Nigerian Navy’s intensified campaign against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, where illegal refining operations continue to thrive despite repeated security crackdowns.
Illegal refining, popularly known as “kpofire”, has remained one of the region’s most persistent security and environmental challenges. Criminal syndicates frequently tap crude oil from pipelines, process it in makeshift forest refineries, and transport the refined products through intricate creek networks for sale in local and black markets.
Beyond depriving the country of billions of naira in oil revenue annually, the illicit trade has also contributed significantly to environmental degradation, polluting rivers, mangrove forests and farmlands while threatening the livelihoods of host communities.
Security agencies have in recent months intensified coordinated operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle illegal refining camps, destroy equipment used by oil thieves and curb the growing menace across the Niger Delta.
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