The Nigerian Navy has discovered a secret fuel storage site in Rivers State, recovering about 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel.
Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER under Operation Delta Sentinel, the ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.
According to him, the Navy’s Base Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team found 125 sacks filled with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), hidden away in a concealed depot.
The site was believed to be a staging point for distributing illegally refined petroleum products.
“This highlights the continued efforts of criminal networks to sustain illicit fuel trade within the Niger Delta,” Folorunsho explained.
He added that the seized products were handled in line with anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively cutting off another logistics hub used by economic saboteurs.
The Navy stressed that the operation reflects its determination to dismantle the infrastructure enabling crude oil theft and illegal refining.
By targeting hidden storage facilities and disrupting supply chains, the Service aims to weaken criminal syndicates and protect Nigeria’s vital economic assets.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel, pledging to sustain efforts to combat crude oil theft, disrupt illegal petroleum networks, and safeguard the nation’s maritime environment.
