Navy, Army intercept 8,500 liters of illegal petroleum products in Imo

A joint operation by the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Army has resulted in the seizure of roughly 8,500 liters of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Imo State. The interception occurred on August 21, 2026, along the Ejemekuru–Obudi-Agwa axis. Personnel from Naval Base Oguta and the Nigerian Army were involved in the operation, which also led to the arrest of three individuals. According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, a tipper truck and a Toyota Hiace bus were found carrying the products, concealed in approximately 150 bags. While three suspects were apprehended, some individuals in the second vehicle managed to flee. The arrested suspects, along with the vehicles and the seized products, have been taken into custody for further investigation and appropriate action. Captain Folorunsho stated that this interception demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained inter-service cooperation and intelligence-led operations in disrupting illicit activities. He emphasized the Nigerian Navy's commitment to collaborating with the Army and other security agencies to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and the illicit movement of petroleum products, thereby protecting Nigeria's economic interests.

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Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while some occupants of the second vehicle fled, abandoning the vehicle.