The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has intercepted about 8,500 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State and arrested three suspects.
The operation was carried out on August 21, 2026, along the Ejemekuru–Obudi-Agwa axis by personnel of Naval Base Oguta and the Nigerian Army.
During the operation, security personnel intercepted a tipper truck and a Toyota Hiace bus reportedly carrying about 150 bags of the suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
Three suspects were arrested, while some occupants of the second vehicle reportedly fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
The arrested suspects, vehicles and recovered products were taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action, according to the Nigerian Navy.
The Navy said the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained inter-service cooperation and intelligence-led operations in disrupting the illegal movement of petroleum products.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and the illicit movement of petroleum products across the country.
