Navy Busts Oil Theft Ring in Rivers
Last update: March 24, 2026
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Eight Suspects, 44,000 Litres of Diesel handed over to EFCC
The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, says it has arrested eight suspected oil thieves and seized 44,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Rivers State.
The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution.
The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Mutalib Raji, said the operation followed “critical and credible intelligence” on illegal bunkering activities in Degema and Obologo areas of Rivers State, Southsouth Nigeria.
Raji, represented by the Acting Base Operations Officer Lieutenant Commander Justin Jerome said the breakthrough came during a high-risk patrol on Sunday March 22, 2026.
“While on patrol at about 0115 hours on March 22, the team accosted a boat being escorted by armed elements suspected to be affiliated with illegal groups,” he said.
“On sighting the naval patrol team, the criminal elements fled the scene.”
Jerome said a subsequent search led to the discovery of 423 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO.
“Each sack contains 106 litres, bringing the total to about 44,000 litres,” he added.
He noted that the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, in line with directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas Admiralty Medal, to combat crude oil theft and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Receiving the suspects, EFCC Superintendent Chioma Blessing Emereole, on behalf of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, said the commission would conduct a thorough investigation.
“This will be investigated discreetly. If found culpable, the suspects will be prosecuted,” she stated.
The leader of the eight suspects, identified as Sokari, claimed he was unaware of the illegal nature of the operation.
“We were just loaders. I didn’t know it was illegal bunkering until we got there,” he said.
The seizure according to analysts highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle illegal refining networks in the Niger Delta.
