Nigeria: Navy, Army intercept 8,500 litres of suspected illegal fuel in Imo State
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
The Nigerian Navy, working with the Nigerian Army, has intercepted two vehicles carrying about 8,500 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined petroleum along the Ejemekuru–Obudi-Agwa axis of Imo State.
The operation took place on August 21, 2026, and was conducted by personnel of Naval Base Oguta alongside army troops. It resulted in the seizure of the vehicles, the products, and the arrest of three suspects.
According to the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, troops intercepted a tipper truck and a Toyota Hiace bus.
The vehicles were found loaded with about 150 bags of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
“Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while some occupants of the second vehicle fled, abandoning the vehicle,” Folorunsho said in a statement.
The suspects, vehicles and recovered products were taken into custody for further investigation. Authorities said necessary action will follow in line with established procedures.
Folorunsho said the operation reflects the effectiveness of inter-service cooperation and intelligence-led security work aimed at disrupting the illegal movement of petroleum products.
“These kinds of joint operations deny criminal elements the opportunity to exploit established routes for economic crimes,” he said.
Crude oil theft, illegal refining and the illicit transportation of petroleum products have remained major challenges in parts of the Niger Delta and surrounding states. Security agencies have intensified patrols and joint operations in response, particularly along known transit routes in Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.
The Navy said it remains committed to deepening collaboration with the Army and other security agencies to tackle the problem.
“We will continue to protect Nigeria’s critical economic interests by clamping down on crude oil theft, illegal refining and the illicit movement of petroleum products,” Folorunsho added.
Illegal refining and oil theft cost the country billions in lost revenue each year and also cause severe environmental damage. Communities in affected areas often deal with polluted waterways, farmland destruction and health risks from makeshift refineries.
By intercepting large consignments like the 8,500 litres recovered in Imo, security forces aim to cut off supply chains that feed illegal markets and export networks.
The Navy noted that intelligence sharing between the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC and other agencies has improved in recent months, leading to more coordinated raids and checkpoints.
The three arrested suspects are being held while investigators trace the source of the products and identify other persons linked to the operation.
Authorities said they are also working to determine where the fuel was being moved to, and whether it was destined for local sale or onward distribution.
The abandoned Toyota Hiace is also being processed as evidence.
Officials have not released the identities of the suspects pending the conclusion of investigations.
The Ejemekuru–Obudi-Agwa axis has featured in previous reports of illegal petroleum movement. Security agencies say they are increasing surveillance in the area to block repeat attempts.
This latest interception adds to a series of operations carried out by Naval Base Oguta this year targeting illegal bunkering and product smuggling.
The Navy and Army say they will sustain the tempo of operations, especially ahead of the yuletide period when demand for fuel typically rises and criminal networks try to exploit gaps.
