Troops of the Nigerian Navy have recovered about 1,600 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel during a raid in Rivers State.

According to Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of NNS SOROH after intelligence on illegal refining activities.

The team moved to Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual LGA, near the Rivers-Bayelsa border. Using aerial surveillance, they spotted concealed sacks in the Orashi Forest area. 

Naval officers recovered 16 sacks, each holding roughly 100 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil. The suspects fled before they could be arrested. The recovered fuel was handled according to standard procedure.

Folorunsho said the operation shows the Navy’s resolve to break up illegal refining networks and curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, adding that “there will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs.”