By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has intercepted two vehicles conveying about 8,500 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined petroleum products along the Ejemekuru–Obudi-Agwa axis of Imo State.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was conducted on August 21, 2026, by personnel of Naval Base Oguta and the Nigerian Army.
Folorunsho said the operatives intercepted a tipper truck and a Toyota Hiace bus loaded with approximately 150 bags of the suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
He added that three suspects were arrested during the operation, while some occupants of the second vehicle fled, abandoning the vehicle.
The Navy spokesman said the arrested suspects, vehicles and recovered products had been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.
He said the interception demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained inter-service cooperation and intelligence-led operations in disrupting the illegal movement of petroleum products and preventing criminal elements from exploiting established routes for economic crimes.
Folorunsho further said the Nigerian Navy remained committed to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and the illicit movement of petroleum products.
He added that the collaboration was also aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical economic interests.