The Nigerian Navy has announced the interception of about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State.
Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
Folorunsho said the operation, which led to the arrest of about eight suspects, was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS PATHFINDER, in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo axis.
He explained that the naval patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats loaded with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
The Navy spokesperson noted that some armed accomplices fled the scene upon sighting the patrol team, while the main suspects were apprehended.
Folorunsho added that the suspects and the recovered products remain in custody and will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
