Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Nigerian Navy Seizes 10,000 Litres Suspected Illegal Fuel Rivers Crackdown
The Nigerian Navy found a large amount of suspected illegal fuel in a warehouse in Rivers State.
The fuel was Automotive Gas Oil, also called AGO.
It was stored in 400 containers, each holding 25 litres.
The Navy believes the warehouse was used to store and sell fuel rather than make it.
No equipment for refining fuel was found there.
The people suspected of running the site escaped when they saw the naval team.
The recovered fuel was handled under the Navy’s standard procedures.
Officials say stopping storage locations can make it harder for illegal fuel traders to sell their products.
The Nigerian Navy seized roughly 10,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Rivers State.
The fuel was found on 12 September 2026 in 400 jerrycans at a warehouse near Eleme Express.
The operation was conducted by NNS PATHFINDER during a patrol along the Eleme–Okrika–Onne axis.
No refining equipment was found, suggesting the warehouse was used for storage and distribution.
Suspected operators fled before naval personnel arrived, and no arrests were made.
- Who
- The Nigerian Navy, including personnel aboard NNS PATHFINDER, conducted the operation.
- What
- Officials seized roughly 10,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil stored in 400 jerrycans.
- When
- The seizure took place on 12 September 2026.
- Where
- The fuel was found at a warehouse near Eleme Express in Rivers State, along the Eleme–Okrika–Onne axis.
- Why
- The operation was part of the Navy’s campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining and petroleum-product smuggling.
- Recovered product
- Approximately 10,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil
- Storage containers
- 400 jerrycans holding 25 litres each
- Operation date
- 12 September 2026
- Location
- Eleme Express area, Rivers State
- Naval vessel
- NNS PATHFINDER
- Arrests
- No arrests were made because suspected operators fled
- Site findings
- No illegal refining equipment was found