Troops of the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 4 of Operation DELTA SAFE, intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during a routine anti-illegal oil bunkering patrol in Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The operation, which took place around 7:30 a.m. along the Onna–Etinan Road, was based on prior surveillance of a suspicious vehicle travelling in the area.
The suspect, driving an Infiniti Jeep with registration number EPE 937 EY, attempted to evade the troops after spotting them. A brief pursuit ensued, but the driver abandoned the vehicle and disappeared into the surrounding bush. Upon searching the Jeep, troops discovered 40 nylon bags containing approximately 1,200 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO. The Nigerian Army estimated the market value of the seized fuel at Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand Naira (₦2,256,000).
Details of the Seizure and Operation
Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters 2 Brigade, confirmed the incident and stated that the operation was concluded without any casualties or further incident. He emphasized that the recovery and handling of the stolen products were conducted in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE, which is tasked with combating oil theft, illegal bunkering, and related criminal activities across the Niger Delta region.
The seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Army to curb the illegal fuel trade, which has been a persistent challenge in the Niger Delta. The vehicle and the recovered AGO were secured and taken into custody for further action. The suspect remains at large, and the army has called on the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest.
Operation DELTA SAFE's Continued Crackdown
Operation DELTA SAFE is a multi-agency military initiative focused on protecting oil infrastructure and preventing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. The operation regularly conducts patrols along major roads and waterways in states such as Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Cross River. Since its inception, the operation has made numerous seizures of illegally refined petroleum products, dismantling illegal refineries and arresting suspects involved in the illicit trade.
In this particular incident, the 2 Brigade troops demonstrated their vigilance and commitment to the mission. The use of surveillance prior to the patrol allowed them to identify the suspect's vehicle and act swiftly. The discovery of 1,200 litres of AGO, worth over ₦2.2 million, represents a significant blow to the illegal oil bunkering network in the area. The army has reiterated its determination to continue such operations to protect the nation's economy and ensure the safety of citizens.
Public Cooperation and Ongoing Investigations
The Nigerian Army has urged members of the public to support their efforts by reporting suspicious activities related to oil theft and illegal bunkering. Captain Muhammad stated, "We appreciate the cooperation of law-abiding citizens and encourage them to provide useful information that will help us apprehend those involved in this illegal trade." The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and efforts are being made to trace the owner of the vehicle and the source of the fuel.
Illegal oil bunkering remains a major challenge in Nigeria, costing the country billions of naira in lost revenue and causing environmental degradation. The Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, continues to intensify its operations in the Niger Delta to curb these activities. The seizure on July 26 is one of many recent successes recorded by Operation DELTA SAFE.
