Rivers: Navy Uncovers Hidden Illegal Fuel Dump, Recovers 92,660 Litres of AGO
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a concealed illegal fuel storage network
and recovered 92,660 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State.
A statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information on Friday.
The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeted criminal networks involved in illegal petroleum activities within the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.
According to the Nigerian Navy, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH deployed to Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State following credible intelligence on suspicious petroleum-related activities in the area.
The Navy disclosed that aerial surveillance and follow-on search operations led to the discovery of about 138 sacks containing suspected illegally refined AGO concealed under vegetation and hidden at different locations along adjoining waterways.
Military authorities noted that the discovery highlights the growing trend among criminal networks to establish hidden creek-side storage points to conceal illegally refined petroleum products and sustain illicit operations.
The recovered products were subsequently handled in accordance with existing regulations, effectively denying economic saboteurs access to resources intended to support illegal petroleum trade activities.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting crude oil theft and dismantling illegal petroleum distribution networks across the Niger Delta.
The latest recovery forms part of ongoing efforts by the Navy under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to curb oil theft, protect critical national assets, and safeguard Nigeria’s economic resources.
By TimesNG