The Nigerian Navy has seized about 10,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from a warehouse in the Eleme Express area of Rivers State.
The seizure was made recently by personnel of NNS PATHFINDER during a crude oil theft patrol along the Eleme–Okrika–Onne axis.
In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the officers discovered the product stored in 400 jerrycans, each containing 25 litres.
He said the location did not contain any refining equipment, suggesting that the warehouse was being used to store and distribute petroleum products rather than refine them.
Read Also: navy-recovers-87000-litres-of-crude-in-rivers
According to the authorities, the role of storage facilities in the petroleum trade are in such locations provide a link between suppliers and buyers, allowing sourced products to reach the black market.
However, no arrests were made during the operation as the suspected operators reportedly fled after noticing the approaching team.
Also, the recovered products have since been handled in line with established crude oil theft procedures.
The Navy said the operation forms part of its efforts to disrupt crude oil theft, illegal refining and the movement of illicit petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
Ultimately, authorities say tackling storage and distribution points is important to disrupting the network behind illegal petroleum activities, which also contributes to environmental damage in oil-producing communities.
