The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel, and uncovered a suspected illegal petroleum distribution channel in Rivers State.

The discovery was announced by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, in a statement issued on Friday following an operation conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER.

According to the Navy, the seizure occurred during routine security patrols around the APS Limited Jetty in Woji as part of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a strategic campaign aimed at curbing crude oil theft, illegal refining activities, and the transportation of illicit petroleum products across the Niger Delta.

Naval personnel on patrol reportedly observed a wooden boat attempting to discharge its cargo under suspicious circumstances, prompting them to conduct a closer inspection of the vessel.

Further inspection revealed that the vessel was laden with approximately 375 sacks containing an estimated 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, commonly known as diesel.

“This indicated an organised effort to move illicit petroleum products from remote creek locations into commercial distribution channels,” it stated.

The Navy said the operation also uncovered a suspected distribution network allegedly used by oil thieves and illegal refiners to transport petroleum products from clandestine refining sites in the creeks to buyers and distributors in commercial hubs.

The Navy said the operation was carried out during routine patrols around the APS Limited Jetty in Woji under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a targeted anti-crude oil theft initiative aimed at tackling illegal refining, petroleum theft and the transportation of illicit petroleum products across the Niger Delta.

“The wooden boat and its cargo were subsequently secured and handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, thereby preventing the products from entering the supply chain, ” it added.

During the exercise, naval personnel reportedly observed a wooden boat attempting to offload its cargo in a manner that aroused suspicion, leading operatives to intercept and inspect the vessel.

Operation DELTA SENTINEL has become a central pillar of the Nigerian Navy’s campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

The operation recorded notable successes in the first quarter of 2026, leading to the destruction of 22 illegal refining sites and the recovery of more than 457,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Among its major achievements was the interception of the vessel MV Amukpoye on February 13, 2026. The vessel was reportedly carrying 180 tonnes of suspected illegally obtained diesel, while eight suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.