Navy foils illegal fuel network, recovers over 63,000 litres of suspected AGO in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a large consignment of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), recovering approximately 63,290 litres in a forest operation in Rivers State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The operation also led to the arrest of a vehicle allegedly used to transport the illicit product, as naval personnel dismantled what officials described as a concealed distribution point deep within forest terrain in the Abua-Odual Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on 22 June 2026, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement and storage of illegally refined petroleum products within the Orashi Forest corridor.
Acting on the intelligence, personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH were deployed to the Okolomade Community axis, where suspected illegal fuel activities had been detected.
On arrival, the team intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected of being used to ferry illegally refined AGO. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered 17 sacks of the product.
Further sweep operations in the surrounding forest led to the discovery of additional concealed stockpiles hidden under thick vegetation at multiple points.
According to Folorunsho, the follow-up search resulted in the recovery of 56 additional sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO, bringing the total to 73 sacks recovered from the operation.
The Navy estimated that the recovered product amounted to about 63,290 litres of illegally refined diesel, all of which had been strategically hidden to avoid detection and facilitate onward distribution.
Folorunsho said the pattern of concealment highlights an evolving tactic by criminal networks involved in illegal refining, who now rely on remote forest corridors and dispersed storage points to move petroleum products from production sites into wider distribution channels.
Folorunsho added that the operation successfully disrupted a key segment of the illegal oil supply chain, which has continued to contribute to economic losses in the Niger Delta region.
The recovered products were handled according to established procedures, while the intercepted vehicle has been secured for further investigation.
Reaffirming its stance, the Nigerian Navy said it will sustain intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and other forms of economic sabotage.
Folorunsho said ongoing efforts are aimed at denying criminal elements access to Nigeria’s petroleum resources and strengthening protection of national economic assets in the Niger Delta.
