By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted two wooden boats and a tugboat and uncovered about 140,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products during operations in Delta State.
The operations, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA on October 26 and 28, 2026, were carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.
The Navy said the operations led to the interception of approximately 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and the discovery of 20,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the first operation took place at Aruton Creek on October 26, where naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat conveying about 40,000 litres of AGO.
On the same day, another operation around the Oteghele general area led to the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing approximately 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.
The Navy said its personnel also intercepted another wooden boat carrying an estimated 80,000 litres of AGO at Ijala Creek on October 28, while the product was being discharged into a tugboat.
The crews of both vessels reportedly abandoned them and fled upon sighting approaching naval gunboats, leading to their seizure by the naval personnel.
The Navy said the operations underscored its commitment to tackling crude oil theft, dismantling illegal petroleum storage and distribution networks, and protecting the nation's critical oil and gas infrastructure.
It added that it would sustain intelligence-led operations and maritime patrols to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action and safeguard Nigeria's maritime environment.