The Nigerian Navy says it has uncovered a large quantity of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and taken eight individuals into custody in Rivers State.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, said the seizure involved about 44,000 litres of the product.
He explained that the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL within the Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo areas.
Folorunsho said the naval team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
He added that eight suspects connected to the activity were arrested, while some armed accomplices escaped upon sighting the patrol team.
“The suspects and the recovered products are in custody and will be transferred to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
Folorunsho noted that the operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
He said the Navy would continue to strengthen its operations through intelligence-led strategies, sustained patrols and collaboration with other security agencies.
The Navy reiterated its resolve to secure the nation’s waterways and protect vital national assets from criminal activities.