The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on illegal petroleum operations in the Niger Delta following the discovery of a concealed fuel stockpile along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, and signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the Navy disclosed that the discovery was made during ongoing operations under Operation Delta Sentinel by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH.
According to the statement, intelligence reports had indicated “suspicious movement of illegally refined petroleum products” around Okarki Community waterside in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, prompting swift deployment of naval personnel to the area.
The Navy explained that upon arrival, officers deployed aerial surveillance, which exposed multiple sacks hidden within dense vegetation along the creek environment. Further operations at the site led to the recovery of about 3,800 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in 38 sacks.
Operation Delta Sentinel Targets Illegal Fuel Movement Networks in Niger Delta
The statement noted that the operation reflects the growing tactics of illegal fuel operators who now rely heavily on remote creek corridors and concealed transit points to temporarily store products before moving them through illicit distribution channels.
It stated, “The operation highlights the growing reliance of illegal fuel networks on isolated creek corridors and concealed transit points to temporarily warehouse products before onward movement through illicit distribution channels.”
Although no suspects were apprehended during the operation, the Navy said the perpetrators fled the area before troops arrived. However, the recovered products were secured and handled in line with established operational procedures.
The Navy further stated that ongoing operations under Operation Delta Sentinel are now increasingly focused on dismantling the movement systems that sustain illegal petroleum activities across the Niger Delta.
“This includes sustained surveillance of creek corridors, disruption of hidden storage points, and denial of operational mobility to criminal elements,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Navy said it remains determined to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and safeguarding the maritime environment from economic sabotage.
“The Service remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and safeguarding the maritime environment from economic sabotage,” the statement concluded.
