Nigerian Navy Intercepts 44,000 Litres of Illegally Refined Fuel and Arrests Eight Suspects in Rivers State Raid

Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder arrests eight suspects and intercepts 44,000 litres of illegally refined AGO in Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:43 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Channels Television

Anti-Crude Oil Theft Patrol Neutralizes Major Illicit Logistics Node

The Nigerian Navy has announced the successful interception of a significant consignment of illegally refined petroleum products in the waterways of Rivers State. Following credible intelligence regarding illicit activities in the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas, an anti-crude oil theft patrol team from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder was deployed to the scene. The operation resulted in the seizure of two large wooden boats laden with approximately 44,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). This intervention is part of an intensified regional effort to disrupt the supply chains of illegal refineries operating within the Niger Delta.

Tactical Engagement and Escape of Armed Accomplices

During the raid, naval personnel apprehended eight suspects directly linked to the illegal transport of the refined products. However, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, noted that several other armed individuals managed to flee the scene into the surrounding creeks upon spotting the patrol team. The arrested suspects and the recovered fuel are currently being held in naval custody. They are scheduled to be handed over to the relevant civil authorities for formal investigation and subsequent prosecution under Nigerian maritime and economic crime laws.

Data Reflects Gradual Decline in National Crude Oil Losses

The Navy's recent successes come against a backdrop of severe historical losses in the petroleum sector. Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicates that while theft remains a challenge, there has been a notable downward trend. Nigeria saw a peak loss of 37.6 million barrels in 2021 (averaging 102,900 barrels per day), which has steadily decreased through 2024 and into 2025. Between January and July 2025, losses averaged 9,600 barrels per day, suggesting that intensified military operations and the destruction of over 800 illegal refineries in the past two years are yielding measurable results.