The Nigerian Navy said it recovered about 1,600 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation in Rivers.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho said the recovery was made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following intelligence on illegal refining activities.
Folorunsho said the operation took place in Okolomade Community, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers, near the border with Bayelsa.
Folorunsho said the Anti-Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the Orashi Forest area, where aerial surveillance using an unmanned system led to the discovery of concealed sacks suspected to contain illegally refined AGO.
He said troops recovered 16 sacks containing about 100 litres each, totalling approximately 1,600 litres of the product. According to him, the suspects fled on sighting naval personnel, while the recovered items were handled in line with operational procedures.
Folorunsho said the operation highlighted the Navy’s commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks and curbing crude oil theft in the Niger and across the nation’s waterways and creeks.