The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, intercepting two wooden boats carrying approximately 15,500 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Rivers State.
The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, took place along the Okrika waterways following credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegally obtained petroleum products in the area.
In a statement released by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the mission was executed by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER as part of intensified efforts to combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
According to the Navy, the first wooden boat was intercepted during a night patrol. Suspected oil thieves reportedly abandoned the vessel and fled into nearby creeks upon sighting naval operatives.
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A subsequent search uncovered several sacks containing about 12,000 litres of product believed to be stolen crude oil.
Further patrols in adjoining waterways led to the interception of a second wooden boat.
The vessel was found carrying 10 drums and seven 50-litre jerrycans, amounting to about 3,500 litres of suspected Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) believed to have been siphoned illegally.
The Navy highlighted that criminal syndicates continue to exploit inland waterways and hidden creek routes to transport stolen petroleum products.
However, it noted that targeted operations like this are disrupting the logistics networks that sustain illegal oil bunkering and other maritime crimes.
“The recovered boats and petroleum products have been secured in line with established procedures, while surveillance has been intensified to uncover additional routes and networks supporting these illicit activities,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Navy stated that it will continue intelligence-driven operations to protect Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure, secure maritime domains, and deny economic saboteurs freedom of operation.
This latest interception adds to a growing list of successes recorded by the Navy in its renewed offensive against crude oil theft across the Niger Delta, aimed at safeguarding national assets, boosting oil production, and curbing illegal petroleum trade.
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