The Nigerian Navy has recovered about 1,600 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation in Rivers State.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Folorunsho said the recovery was made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH following intelligence on illegal refining activities.

He said the operation took place in Okolomade Community, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, near the border with Bayelsa State.

Mr Folorunsho said the Anti-Crude Oil Theft team was 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.

He said the operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to dismantling illegal refining networks and curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Mr Folorunsho reiterated that there would be no safe haven for economic saboteurs, as sustained operations continue across the nation’s waterways and creeks. 

(NAN)