By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 103,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 190,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” worth over N600 million across Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Saturday in Abuja.

The navy said the operation was conducted under the Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeting illegal oil refining networks

Folorunsho said the breakthrough followed coordinated operations on April 17 against illegal refining sites and crude oil storage facilities in the Niger Delta region.

He said the personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, acting on credible intelligence, deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft team to the Egboama/Ogbogolo area of Ahoada West Local Government Area along the Rivers–Bayelsa boundary corridor.

According to him, the team carried out a coordinated land and water operation, uncovering multiple illegal refining sites comprising dugout pits, ovens, reservoirs and storage facilities used for illicit petroleum processing.

Folorunsho said the crude oil recovered was valued at over N91 million, while the illegally refined AGO was estimated at over N342 million, bringing the total value of the seizures in the area to over N433 million.

“In Delta State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA uncovered and deactivated a concealed crude oil storage facility around Bennett Island.

“The facility, linked to a buried pipeline through an improvised hose system, contained about 78,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil valued at approximately N69 million, alongside equipment used for illegal siphoning,” he said.

The Naval spokesman said all Illegal refining infrastructure and storage facilities were dismantled in situ, while recovered products were handled in line with extant operational procedures. It added that perpetrators fled upon sighting naval personnel.

He added that the coordinated operations underscore the Navy’s intensified crackdown on crude oil theft and reinforce the momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which has been extended by 90 days.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, commended the participating units and directed the Commander Task Group, Rear Adm. Suleiman Ibrahim, to sustain pressure on oil theft networks.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding critical national oil infrastructure and protecting the country’s economic lifelines. (NAN)