Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Navy has seized more than 63,000 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, intensifying efforts to curb oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Naval personnel attached to Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH carried out the operation in the Okolomade Community area of Abua-Odual Local Government Area following intelligence reports of illegal petroleum movements along the Orashi Forest corridor.
In a statement on Monday, during the raid, operatives intercepted a silver Toyota Camry allegedly linked to an illegal fuel transportation network.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 17 sacks containing suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Further searches inside the surrounding forest led to the discovery of several concealed storage locations hidden beneath dense vegetation.
Naval personnel recovered an additional 56 sacks containing suspected illegally refined diesel.
In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 73 sacks containing approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The vehicle allegedly used in transporting the products was also confiscated.
The interception highlights the changing tactics employed by oil thieves and illegal refiners, who increasingly rely on remote forest routes and hidden storage facilities to evade security agencies.
Military authorities said all recovered products were handled according to established operational procedures, while the seized vehicle remains in custody pending further investigations.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations across the Niger Delta.
Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains one of the military’s major anti-crude theft operations aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure, combating illegal refining activities and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic resources.
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