The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL has intercepted two wooden boats, one tug boat, and recovered 140,000 litres of petroleum products in separate operations in Delta.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho in an operational report made available to journalists on Friday disclosed that the operations were conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA.
He explained that the products recovered include approximately 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 Oct. 26, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 40,000 litres of AGO.
“A separate operation around Oteghele general area on the same day led to the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing approximately 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.
“Additionally, at Ijala Creek on Wednesday, a wooden boat carrying an estimated 80,000 litres of AGO was intercepted while discharging the product into a tugboat.
“The crews of both vessels abandoned them and fled upon sighting the approaching naval gunboats, leading to the subsequent arrest of the vessels,” he said.
According to Folorunsho, the successful interceptions underscore the navy’s sustained commitment to combating crude oil theft, disrupting illegal petroleum storage and distribution networks, and protecting the nation’s critical oil and gas assets.
He assured Nigerias that the service would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations and maritime patrols to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.
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