Nigerian Navy records illegal fuel recovery in Rivers after seizing 1,600 litres of suspected refined AGO during an operation

The Nigerian Navy has recovered about 1,600 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil during an anti-crude oil theft operation in Rivers State.

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The Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said the illegal fuel recovery in Rivers was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH following intelligence reports on illegal refining activities.

According to him, the operation was conducted at Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area near the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa State.

He explained that the Navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the Orashi Forest area where aerial surveillance using an unmanned system led operatives to concealed sacks suspected to contain illegally refined AGO.

Folorunsho said naval personnel recovered 16 sacks containing approximately 100 litres each, bringing the total volume to about 1,600 litres.

He added that the suspects fled the area upon sighting security operatives, while the recovered products were processed in line with established operational procedures.

The Navy spokesperson described the operation as part of sustained efforts to dismantle illegal refining camps and combat crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region.

He reiterated the Navy’s warning to economic saboteurs, stressing that ongoing operations across waterways and creeks would continue to deny criminals safe operating spaces.

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The latest seizure comes amid intensified security operations targeting illegal bunkering and unauthorised refining activities blamed for economic losses and environmental degradation in oil-producing communities.