Nigerian Navy Intercepts THREE Vessels, Uncovers 140,000 Litres Of Suspected Stolen Petroleum Products In Delta
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats and a tugboat while uncovering approximately 140,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products in Delta State as part of its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and economic sabotage under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operations, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA on October 26 and 28, 2026, resulted in the recovery of about 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 20,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil.
In the first operation at Aruton Creek on October 26, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat conveying approximately 40,000 litres of AGO.
On the same day, another operation around the Oteghele general area led to the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing an estimated 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.
Similarly, on October 28, naval personnel intercepted another wooden boat carrying about 80,000 litres of AGO at Ijala Creek while the product was being discharged into a tugboat.
The crews of both vessels reportedly abandoned the boats and fled upon sighting the approaching naval gunboats. The vessels were subsequently arrested by the naval personnel.
The Nigerian Navy said the operations demonstrate its continued determination to dismantle illegal petroleum storage and distribution networks, combat crude oil theft and protect the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
It reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations and maritime patrols to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
