Troops of Sector 3 of Operation DELTA SAFE, in collaboration with TANTITA Security Services, have recovered about 24,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation was carried out on June 15 at Abalama Creek following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected stolen petroleum products through the area.
Security sources said the suspects abandoned a wooden boat loaded with the products and fled on sighting the approaching operatives.
The troops recovered the wooden vessel containing an estimated 24,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.
The recovered products and the boat were subsequently moved to the TANTITA Security Services base in Ilamatoru for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources added that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle illegal refining networks operating in the area.