Navy Uncovers Massive Fuel Dump, Recovers 63,290 Litres in Rivers Forest Operation

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a large cache of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and intercepted a vehicle linked to an illicit fuel distribution network in Rivers State.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, confirmed the development in an operational report on Monday in Abuja.

He said the operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh under Operation Delta Sentinel following credible intelligence on illegal movement of petroleum products within Abua-Odual Local Government Area.

According to him, naval personnel deployed to the Okolomade axis acted on intelligence indicating the transportation of suspected illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO).

“During the operation, within the Orashi forest, the team intercepted a silver Toyota Camry suspected of conveying illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO),” he said.

A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of about 17 sacks of suspected illegally refined diesel.

Further search operations within the forest revealed additional concealed stockpiles hidden in multiple locations under thick vegetation.

“Subsequent ground searches resulted in the recovery of an additional 56 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO strategically dispersed across the area,” he added.

In total, the Navy said about 73 sacks containing approximately 63,290 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel were recovered, along with the vehicle allegedly used for transportation.

Folorunsho noted that the discovery underscores the increasing use of forest corridors by criminal groups to store and move stolen petroleum products.

He added that the operation disrupted a key segment of the illegal supply chain used in petroleum theft and distribution.

The Navy said the recovered products were handled in line with established procedures, while the vehicle was secured for further investigation.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Navy said it would continue intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to curb oil theft and protect Nigeria’s economic resources.