Nigerian Navy Seizes Illegally Refined Diesel in Rivers State
The Nigerian Navy has successfully recovered approximately 63,290 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel, alongside a vehicle believed to be linked to an illicit oil distribution network in Rivers State.
This significant operation was reported by Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Intelligence, in an update to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. The operation was conducted by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Solo as part of Operation Delta Sentinel, the Navy’s ongoing initiative targeting oil theft throughout the Niger Delta region.
This latest seizure follows a similar operation just three days prior, where the Navy intercepted around 103,500 liters of suspected illegally refined diesel concealed in 375 bags aboard a wooden vessel at the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State. These incidents underscore the persistent issue of illegal refining and oil distribution networks that continue to plague the area.
According to the Navy, personnel assigned to the Okoromado Community Axis in Abua Oduar Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegally refined petroleum products. During their mission, naval operatives encountered a silver Toyota Camry in the Orasi forest, which was suspected of transporting the illicit diesel.
Navy Operations Reveal Hidden Networks
A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 17 bags containing suspected illegally refined AGO. Folorunsho detailed how the investigation in the area revealed additional concealed reserves hidden within the dense vegetation of the forest.
Further ground searches led to the discovery of an extra 56 bags of suspected illegally refined AGO, effectively disrupting the operation of criminal networks. In total, the mission resulted in the recovery of 73 bags containing approximately 63,290 liters of suspected illegally refined AGO, as well as the vehicle intended for transport. The Navy stated that this operation dismantled a crucial link in the illicit oil supply chain used to funnel products from remote areas to commercial distribution channels.
Ongoing Efforts Against Oil Theft
Operation Delta Sentinel has emerged as a cornerstone strategy for the Nigerian Navy in addressing crude oil theft, illegal refining, and smuggling of petroleum products across the Niger Delta. Earlier reports indicated that between January and March 2026, the operation had dismantled 22 illegal refineries and recovered over 457,000 liters of stolen crude oil and refined products.
Among the operation’s notable achievements was the apprehension of the MV Amukpoe on February 13, which was discovered transporting 180 tonnes of suspected illegally procured diesel. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with this significant seizure.
Comprehensive Crackdown on Illegal Operations
The recent seizures are part of a broader campaign by the Nigerian Navy alongside other security agencies targeting crude oil theft and illegal refining in Nigeria’s oil-producing territories. In April, naval forces seized two vessels carrying 939 tonnes of suspected stolen crude oil valued at over four billion naira, leading to the arrest of 26 crew members. Similarly, on March 27, the Navy recovered over 20,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil while dismantling an illegal refining camp in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Defense Headquarters has reported that forces operating under Operation Delta Safe destroyed 101 illegal refineries and made 219 arrests related to crude oil theft and associated crimes during the first quarter of 2026. These ongoing efforts highlight the commitment of security agencies to combat oil theft, safeguard national revenues, and disrupt criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s vital oil sector.
