Navy Arrests Eight Oil Thieves, Seizes 44,000 Litres Diesel

On March 22, 2026, the Nigerian Navy, under the command of Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji, intercepted two wooden boats laden with illegally refined automotive gas oil in River State. The operation, which was based on credible intelligence, occurred during a high-risk patrol at 0115 hours near Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.

The naval team arrested eight suspects affiliated with an illegal oil theft group, who fled the scene upon being accosted. A subsequent search revealed 423 sacks of illegally refined diesel, totaling 44,000 litres.

The suspects were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Bless Emereol, for thorough investigation and potential prosecution. Lieutenant Justin Jerom, part of the naval command, noted that the suspects claimed ignorance of the illegal nature of their operations.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle illegal refining networks in the Niger Delta region.