Rivers: Navy intercepts 63,290 litres of suspected illicit diesel

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and intercepted a vehicle allegedly used in an illicit petroleum distribution network in Rivers State.

The development was disclosed by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Navy’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign across the Niger Delta.

The latest discovery comes just three days after the Navy announced the interception of approximately 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel concealed in 375 sacks aboard a wooden boat at the APS Limited Jetty in Woji, Rivers State, highlighting the persistence of illegal refining and petroleum distribution networks operating across the region.

According to the Navy, personnel deployed to the Okolomade Community axis of Abua-Odual Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence indicating the movement of suspected illegally refined petroleum products through the area.

During the operation, naval operatives conducting a search within the Orashi Forest intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be transporting illegally refined diesel.

According to Folorunsho, a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 17 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO.

“During the operation, within the Orashi Forest, the team intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected to be conveying illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.

Further exploitation of the area revealed additional concealed stockpiles hidden beneath 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 added.

The Navy said the discovery exposed the growing use of remote forest corridors and hidden storage locations by criminal networks involved in the illegal refining and transportation of petroleum products.

According to the statement, the operation disrupted another critical link in the illicit petroleum supply chain used to move products from remote locations into commercial distribution channels.

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