Navy Intercepts 15,500 Litres Of Suspected Stolen Crude, PMS In Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 15,500 litres of petroleum products suspected to be stolen during an anti-crude oil theft operation along the Okrika waterways in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegally obtained petroleum products within the area.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said naval operatives intercepted two wooden boats conveying suspected stolen crude oil and siphoned Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to him, the first boat was abandoned by suspected oil thieves who fled into nearby creeks after spotting the naval patrol during a night operation.
A search of the vessel led to the discovery of several sacks containing approximately 12,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
Folorunsho said the patrol was subsequently extended to adjoining waterways, where another wooden boat was intercepted carrying 10 drums and seven 50-litre jerrycans containing about 3,500 litres of products suspected to be siphoned PMS.
He noted that the seizures highlight the continued use of inland waterways by criminal networks to transport illegally obtained petroleum products through concealed creek routes.
The naval spokesman said the Nigerian Navy remains committed to disrupting the logistics network that sustains crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta.
He added that the recovered boats and petroleum products have been secured in line with operational procedures, while surveillance has been intensified to identify additional routes and networks involved in the illicit trade.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure, safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and denying economic saboteurs the freedom to operate.
