Nigerian Navy Intercepts Illicit Petroleum Products, Dismantles Bunkering Operations in Rivers

Personnel of the Nigerian Navy under Operation Delta Sentinel have recovered roughly 24,000 liters of crude oil and intercepted an additional 17,000 liters of illegally refined diesel across separate anti-bunkering operations in Rivers State.

Acting on intelligence regarding attempts by criminal syndicates to tap into local oil infrastructure, troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered an active illegal refining site along the Bethel Community axis. Operatives discovered two storage pits holding approximately 24,000 liters of stolen crude oil alongside extensive piping and hose networks installed to facilitate illegal extraction. The facilities and equipment were neutralized according to established military regulations, dismantling the network before it could become fully operational.

In a concurrent operation, personnel attached to NNS Pathfinder intercepted a high-speed vessel navigating the Onne/Okrika waterways carrying 17,000 liters of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Navy Spokesperson Captain Abiodun Folorunsho confirmed that both the vessel and the seized petroleum products have been impounded, with intelligence operations ongoing to locate and arrest the individuals involved.

The latest seizures reflect sustained enforcement efforts by maritime security forces to dismantle unauthorized refining hubs, disrupt illicit supply networks, and protect critical energy infrastructure across the Niger Delta.