Mr Aneke said the navy base received an intelligence report of suspected smuggling activity within her area of operation.
The Nigerian Navy says it destroyed four illegal refineries and a boat laden with crude oil.
Mr Amakiri said the quantity of the petrol product translates to about 15,540 litres, valued at ₦9,479,400 at the current rate of about N610 per litre.
The CP had declared the festive period as special working days for all officers and men in the command.
He said that the Nigerian Navy, FOB, got an intelligence tip-off of suspected smuggling activities within its area of operations.
The navy fingered Tantita Security Service in “these illegalities because Awoye riverine area, which is close to the place of arrest, is covered by TSS.”
Mr Okorie said the items would be handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
Mr Umoru said after searching, a total of 50 sacks of the suspected products, valued at about N70 million, were recovered.
The rescue operation was carried out by the military and paramilitary services based in Aguata and supported by the Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu.
The suspects were arrested along Effiat waterways in Mbo Local Government Area of the state during the routine patrol of men and officers of the base.
