Nigerian Navy illegal fuel Niger Delta discovery as troops uncover 3,800 litres of suspected AGO hidden in Rivers–Bayelsa creek corridor

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations against illegal petroleum activities in the Niger Delta following the discovery of a concealed fuel stockpile along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.

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Nigerian Navy illegal fuel Niger Delta discovery was confirmed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, detailing the ongoing Operation Delta Sentinel.

According to the statement, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH carried out the operation after receiving intelligence reports of suspicious movement of illegally refined petroleum products around Okarki Community waterside in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

On arrival at the location, naval operatives deployed aerial surveillance, which exposed multiple sacks hidden within dense vegetation along the creek environment.

Subsequent search operations led to the recovery of about 3,800 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), reportedly stored in 38 sacks carefully concealed within the area.

Navy described the development as evidence of the growing use of remote creek routes and hidden transit points by illegal fuel syndicates to store and move stolen petroleum products.

Although no arrests were made as suspects fled before the arrival of troops, the recovered products were secured in line with standard operational procedures.

Nigerian Navy illegal fuel Niger Delta discovery further highlights the service’s intensified focus under Operation Delta Sentinel, which aims to dismantle the logistical structures supporting oil theft across the region.

Navy noted that ongoing efforts include sustained surveillance of creek corridors, disruption of concealed storage sites, and denial of mobility to criminal networks involved in economic sabotage.

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It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations designed to protect national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.