The Nigerian Navy has intercepted more than 135,000 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, during a series of anti-crude oil theft operations in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering and protect the nation’s economic assets in the Niger Delta region.
According to the Navy, the seizure was made at multiple locations identified as hotspots for illegal petroleum activities. Several wooden boats, storage facilities, and equipment allegedly used for the illicit trade were also discovered and confiscated during the operation.
Naval authorities disclosed that the intercepted products are believed to have been illegally refined or diverted from legitimate sources. The products were recovered before they could be transported to their intended destinations.
The Commander of NNS Pathfinder reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining pressure on economic saboteurs involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining, and related criminal activities. He warned individuals and groups engaged in such operations to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The Navy noted that the operation forms part of broader security measures aimed at safeguarding critical national infrastructure, boosting crude oil production, and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to curb oil theft across the Niger Delta.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while the recovered products and equipment remain in the custody of the authorities pending further action.