The Nigerian Navy has dealt a massive blow to economic saboteurs operating within Rivers State, uncovering and dismantling concealed fuel storage facilities and illegal refining infrastructure in a series of aggressive intelligence-led operations.
The crackdown, executed under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL, highlights the military’s relentless push to choke out the logistics and distribution networks driving crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the region.
🛢️ Hidden Okarki Depot Burst: 87,000 Litres of Illegal Diesel Seized
In one of the most significant recent operations, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH descended on the Okarki axis of Rivers State following actionable intelligence regarding illicit petroleum stockpiling.
During the raid on the concealed storage facility, naval operatives uncovered massive volumes of petroleum products packaged for distribution.
The Harvest: Approximately 87,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) commonly known as diesel were recovered alongside specialized equipment used for handling and moving the contraband.
The Strategy: According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, targeting these hidden distribution nodes is critical to crippling the financial lifelines of oil theft syndicates operating across the Niger Delta.
🔍 ONELGA Sweep: Another 61,000 Litres Intercepted in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni
The success in Okarki follows closely on the heels of a separate major operation by personnel of NNS Pathfinder within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni (ONELGA) axis of the state.
Despite criminal elements attempting to reactivate and expand illicit networks in the area, naval teams successfully located and deactivated three newly established illegal refining sites.
Operatives discovered products concealed across 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, yielding 43,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO bringing the combined total recovery from that operation to 61,000 litres.
All recovered products and associated equipment have been processed and handled in strict compliance with extant operational guidelines.
🛡️ Defending the State's Economic Infrastructure
With the Federal Government ramping up efforts to boost national crude oil production and secure critical energy assets, the naval hierarchy has maintained that there will be no breathing space for economic saboteurs.
Military authorities have reiterated that intelligence-driven patrols will remain a permanent fixture across Rivers State's creeks, waterways, and vulnerable corridors to dismantle every tier of the illegal oil trade.
Keep it locked right here on PORTHARCOURTBLOG for real-time updates, security flashes, and breaking stories across Rivers State.
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