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) in Akwa Ibom State, dealing another blow to illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.
The operation was carried out at about 7:30 a.m. on Sunday along the Onna–Etinan Road following credible surveillance on a suspected oil bunkerer reportedly driving an Infiniti Jeep with registration number EPE 937 EY.
According to the Army, the suspect attempted to evade arrest after sighting the troops but was pursued before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into the surrounding bush.
A thorough search of the abandoned vehicle led to the recovery of 40 nylon bags containing approximately 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, valued at an estimated ₦2.256 million.
Military authorities said the recovered petroleum products and the vehicle were secured in line with the operational mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE, which is tasked with combating crude oil theft, illegal refining and other economic sabotage across the Niger Delta.
The operation was completed without casualties or any security incident, while efforts are expected to continue to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal network behind the illegal petroleum trade.
