The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal distribution channel for stolen petroleum products in Rivers State, recovering about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil during an intelligence-led operation under Operation Delta Sentinel.

The operation, targeting the movement of stolen products through creek corridors, was carried out by personnel of NNS SOROH acting on credible intelligence. Director of Naval Information Abiodun Folorunsho said the team deployed to the Orashi Forest area of Okolomade Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, near the Bayelsa border.

Folorunsho said the patrol intercepted a wooden boat carrying 36 sacks of suspected illegal diesel along a creek, and that drone surveillance then revealed further stockpiles hidden under vegetation and inside ponds, with a detailed search uncovering another 45 sacks, bringing the total to 81 sacks holding roughly 22,870 litres.

He said the operation also denied criminals the use of the intercepted boat, and that the recovered products and vessel were handled in line with anti-theft procedures, further disrupting the logistics chain behind illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

The Navy said the operation reflected its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven action under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle crude theft networks and safeguard the country’s economic assets.