The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers from a capsized boat along the Bennett River in Warri, Delta State, and intercepted 73 sacks containing 63,290 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Okolomade Community axis of Abua-Odual Local Government Area in Rivers State.

The rescue was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA during a routine maritime security patrol under ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security within the nation’s waterways.

In a statement on Monday, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel of NNS, Delta, on patrol, observed the distressed passengers and floating debris from a capsized boat, indicating an unfolding maritime emergency.

Folorunsho explained that without hesitation, the patrol team immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, recovering the three victims and salvaging valuable items from the wreckage.

According to him, preliminary findings revealed that the boat capsized following severe weather conditions and rough waves generated by a heavy rainstorm. The rescued passengers were promptly evacuated to the NNS Delta Sick Bay, where they received immediate medical attention before being discharged after their condition was stabilised.

He said the 73 sacks containing the intercepted 63,290 litres of AGO in Rivers were concealed stockpiles hidden under thick vegetation at multiple locations within the Orashi forest.

“The discovery highlights the increasing use of forest corridors and concealed storage points by criminal elements seeking to move illegally refined petroleum products from remote locations into distribution channels. The operation, therefore, disrupted another critical link in the illicit petroleum value chain.

“The recovered products were handled in accordance with extant regulations, while the vehicle was secured for further necessary action.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action and protect Nigeria’s critical economic resources from criminal exploitation,” Folorunsho stated.