The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers State.
The operation, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, targeted the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas following credible intelligence on illegal activities, according to a Sunday statement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder deployed an anti-crude oil theft patrol team, which intercepted two wooden boats carrying illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Eight suspects were arrested, while other armed accomplices reportedly fled on sighting the naval team.
The statement said: “Acting on credible intelligence on ongoing illicit activities within the area, personnel of NNS Pathfinder deployed an anti-crude oil theft patrol team, leading to the interception of two wooden boats laden with about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO in Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo. The suspects and recovered products are in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
The Navy recently intensified its crackdown on oil theft, destroying over 800 illegal refineries and recovering approximately 171,000 barrels of stolen crude oil in the past two years.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) highlights the impact of crude oil theft on Nigeria’s economy. In 2021, the country lost about 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels per day, the highest level in over two decades. Losses remained significant in subsequent years: 20.9 million barrels in 2022, 4.3 million barrels in 2023, 4.1 million barrels in 2024, and about 2.04 million barrels between January and July 2025.
The Navy emphasized that Operation Delta Sentinel aligns with directives from Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, focusing on intelligence-driven operations, enhanced maritime patrols, and collaboration with other security agencies to curb crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes.
