The Nigerian Navy has recovered 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and intercepted a vehicle allegedly used in the transportation of illicit petroleum products in Rivers State.
Key Highlights:
The operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected illegally refined petroleum products through the Orashi Forest corridor.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval operatives raided the Okolomade Community area in Abua-Odual Local Government Area as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
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During the operation, the troops intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be conveying illegally refined AGO. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 17 sacks containing the product.
The Navy said further searches within the forest uncovered additional stockpiles concealed under dense vegetation at multiple locations. An additional 56 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO were recovered, bringing the total number of sacks seized to 73.
According to the Navy, the recovered products are estimated to contain about 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO.
The vehicle used in the operation was also seized and taken into custody for further investigation.
The Navy noted that the discovery highlighted the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by operators of illegal refining networks, who utilise remote forest routes and concealed storage facilities to move petroleum products into distribution channels.
It added that the recovered products were handled in accordance with existing regulations and that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the operation.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta, stressing that Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains focused on dismantling illegal refining camps, curbing economic sabotage and protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.
The Navy also urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling illegal petroleum-related activities across the region.
