Security forces comprising personnel of the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army have intercepted two vehicles conveying approximately 8,500 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State.
The interception was carried out on August 21, 2026, along the Ejemekuru–Obudi-Agwa axis by personnel of Naval Base (NB) OGUTA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation resulted in the interception of a tipper truck and a Toyota Hiace bus loaded with about 150 bags of suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
The statement disclosed that three suspects were arrested during the operation, while some occupants of the second vehicle fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
The arrested suspects, the vehicles and the recovered products were subsequently taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with established procedures.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation underscored the effectiveness of sustained inter-service cooperation and intelligence-led security operations in disrupting the illegal movement of petroleum products and denying criminal elements access to established routes for economic crimes.
The Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and the illicit movement of petroleum products, while protecting Nigeria’s critical economic interests.
