Troops of Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE, in collaboration with TANTITA Security Services, have recovered about 24,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation at Abalama Creek in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out on June 15 following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected stolen petroleum products through the creek.
According to the sources, the suspects abandoned a wooden boat loaded with the illegally refined diesel and fled upon sighting the approaching troops and security operatives.
The recovered vessel and petroleum products were moved to the TANTITA Security Services base at Ilamatoru for further investigation, while follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle associated illegal refining networks.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, Operation DELTA SAFE, raided a suspected illegal oil bunkering site at Kpansia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of June 16, led to the recovery of two vehicles, a pumping machine, 53 sacks containing approximately 2,650 litres of illegally refined AGO, five empty drums, and two wheelbarrows.
Military sources disclosed that the operation disrupted ongoing illegal bunkering activities in the area following actionable intelligence.
The recovered items were evacuated to a safe location for destruction due to the densely populated nature of the community.
Security agencies said efforts are ongoing to track down members of the illegal bunkering syndicate as Operation DELTA SAFE intensifies its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta region.
