Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a consignment of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State and successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained maritime security operations.
According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny rescued Mr Benedict Eze, who was abducted on 23 March 2026 in Aganya Community, Bonny Local Government Area.
The victim was recovered at Coconut Jetty after his captors abandoned him near the Opuoma waterside due to intensified intelligence-led operations and coordinated patrols.
He was subsequently evacuated to the Naval Base medical facility for evaluation and debriefing before being safely reunited with his family.
In a separate but concurrent operation, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team to Abua-Odual and Ogbologo following credible intelligence.
The team intercepted two wooden boats carrying approximately 15,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
On sighting the naval patrol, the perpetrators abandoned the boats and fled into surrounding creeks.
The seized vessels and petroleum products were recovered and processed in line with operational procedures.
Captain Folorunsho highlighted that these successes reflect the Navy’s sustained operational momentum under Operation Delta Sentinel, following directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify intelligence-driven actions against illegal oil bunkering and other maritime criminal activities.
He added that the operations underscore the importance of coordinated maritime and land-based patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways and adjoining creeks, protect lives and property, and ensure perpetrators face justice.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to proactive surveillance, technological enablers, and continuous collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and economic interests.
