The Nigerian navy under its ongoing Operation Delta Sentinel (OPDS) on Sunday, March 22, arrested eight oil thieves in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo area of Rivers state.
The arrest followed credible intelligence on illicit activities within the area, which prompted the deployment of an anti-crude oil theft patrol team from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) pathfinder.
The team intercepted two wooden boats conveying about 44,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) within the creeks.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illicit activity, while several armed accomplices fled upon sighting the naval team.
The arrested suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and are set to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Nigerian navy stated that the success aligns with the directive of the chief of the naval staff, Idi Abbas, who has tasked commanders to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum of OPDS through intelligence-driven operations, increased patrols, and inter-agency collaboration to protect Nigeria’s critical assets and economic interests.
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