Navy Recovers 63,290 Litres Illegal Diesel In Rivers

The Nigerian Navy on Monday said it recovered about 73 sacks of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), amounting to approximately 63,290 litres, during a raid in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed to the Okolomade Community axis of Abua-Odual Local Government Area, indicated the movement of suspected illegally refined products within the Orashi Forest corridor.

According to him, operatives intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be used in conveying illegally refined AGO.

He said, “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.”

Folorunsho said further searches in the surrounding forest led to additional discoveries concealed under vegetation, while noting that subsequent ground operations led to more recoveries across the area.

He continued, “Further exploitation of the area revealed additional concealed stockpiles hidden under thick vegetation at multiple locations within the forest.

“Subsequent ground searches resulted in the recovery of an additional 56 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO strategically dispersed across the area.

“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.”

Folorunsho noted that the products were handled in line with “extant regulations”, adding that investigations into the network behind the operation are ongoing for further necessary action.