Nigerian Navy seizes 22,870 litres of illegal diesel in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy conducted an intelligence‑led operation under Operation Delta Sentinel in the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State. Personnel from the Navy ship SOROH intercepted a wooden boat carrying 36 sacks of suspected illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) and, using a drone for aerial surveillance, located additional hidden stockpiles.

A detailed search uncovered another 45 sacks concealed under vegetation and in ponds, bringing the total recovery to 81 sacks—approximately 22,870 litres of diesel. The seized fuel and the intercepted boat were handled according to anti‑crude‑oil‑theft procedures, disrupting the logistics chain used by criminal networks.

Navy Director of Naval Information Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks, safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, and protecting a critical economic asset in the Niger Delta.