The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 114,500 litres of petroleum products suspected to be linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State and arrested 10 suspects in an anti-drug operation in Delta State.
The operations were conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, targeting illegal refining activities and illicit drug networks across the two states.
In Rivers State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, acting on credible intelligence on October 15, discovered a suspected illegal refining site in Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The site contained five large dugout pits holding approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and 18 smaller pits containing about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The suspected operators reportedly fled upon sighting the naval personnel, while the recovered products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
In a separate operation conducted between October 14 and 15, personnel of NNS DELTA, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs in Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orogun, Otokutu and Ughelli in Delta State.
The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects and the recovery of substances suspected to include cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis, cannabis seeds, Colorado and other related exhibits.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operations reflected the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to tackling crude oil theft, illegal refining and illicit drug distribution through intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
He added that the Navy would sustain efforts to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt illicit supply networks and protect the nation’s economic assets while enhancing security across its areas of responsibility.
