The Nigerian Navy has seized 63,290 litres of suspected illicitly refined diesel and retrieved a means of transportation alleged to be engaged in conveying the petroleum product in Rivers State.
The arrest was made by operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH within the context of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which is an ongoing campaign against stealing of crude oil and illegal refining within the Niger Delta region.
Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information disclosed that the navy acted based on credible intelligence and conducted the raid in some parts of Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area.
The arrest was made during the exercise when security operatives stopped a silver Toyota Camry that was believed to be ferrying illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly referred to as diesel. The inspection of the car yielded 17 sacks full of the suspected product.
Upon further searches in Orashi Forest, other stockpiles were found concealed under thick vegetation. The suspects were found with 56 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel at various points in the forest.
A total of 73 sacks estimated to contain about 63,290 litres of the product was seized alongside the vehicle used for transportation.
The statement noted that the discovery has underscored the increasing involvement of criminal groups engaged in illegal refining and smuggling of petroleum products in remote forests.
The current raid followed days after the Navy seized some 103,500 liters of suspected illegally refined diesel hidden in 375 bags on board a vessel at a jetty in Woji, Rivers State.
According to officials, the discovery is part of measures aimed at eliminating illegal refining activities, crude oil theft and ensuring that government revenue is not depleted.
The Navy reiterated its resolve to continue conducting intelligence-led operations in the Niger Delta to frustrate criminal elements.
