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 issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.

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

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

According to him, “the Anti-Crude Oil Theft team 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 added that naval personnel recovered “16 sacks containing about 100 litres each, totalling approximately 1,600 litres of the product.”

Folorunsho further stated that “the suspects fled on sighting naval personnel, while the recovered items were handled in line with operational procedures.”

He said the operation reflects the Navy’s ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal refining networks and curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Reiterating the Navy’s stance, he said there would be “no safe haven for economic saboteurs,” adding that sustained operations are continuing across the nation’s waterways and creeks.

NAN

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