Navy seizes 63,290 litres of illegal diesel in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has recovered about 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, during an operation in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following intelligence reports on the movement of suspected illegally refined petroleum products within the Orashi Forest corridor.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said operatives deployed to the Okolomade Community axis of Abua-Odual intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to have been used for transporting the products.

“During the operation, the team intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be conveying illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of about 17 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO,” he said.

Folorunsho explained that further searches of the surrounding forest led to the discovery of additional stockpiles concealed under thick vegetation at several locations.

According to him, subsequent ground operations resulted in the recovery of 56 more sacks of the suspected illegally refined product.

“In total, the operation led to the recovery of 73 sacks containing approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, as well as the vehicle believed to have been used for transportation,” he said.

The naval spokesman noted that the recovered products were handled in line with existing regulations and added that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal operation.