Army Intercepts 1,200 Litres of Illegally Refined Diesel in Akwa Ibom
Troops of the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 4 of Operation DELTA SAFE, have intercepted a vehicle transporting about 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an anti-illegal oil bunkering operation in Akwa Ibom State.
The operation was carried out at about 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, along the Onna–Etinan Road, following credible intelligence and surveillance on the activities of a suspected oil bunkerer.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 2 Brigade, Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, the suspect was driving an Infiniti Jeep with registration number EPE 937 EY when he encountered the troops.
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The statement said the suspect attempted to evade arrest upon sighting the soldiers but was pursued. He eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled into the surrounding bush.
A search of the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery of 40 nylon bags containing approximately 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, estimated to be worth ₦2.256 million.
The Army said the recovered petroleum products and the vehicle were secured in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE, which is tasked with combating crude oil theft, illegal refining and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The operation was concluded without casualties or any other security incident.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities threatening the nation’s economic assets and energy infrastructure.
By PRNigeria
