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, while arresting 10 suspects during a separate anti-drug operation in Delta State.
The operations, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeted illegal refining activities in Rivers State and suspected drug storage and distribution networks across several communities in Delta State.
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement.
According to the statement, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, acting on credible intelligence , discovered a suspected illegal refining site in Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
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The site contained five large dugout pits holding approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, as well as 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 petroleum products were handled in accordance with established procedures.
In a separate operation conducted between October 14 and 15, personnel of NNS DELTA, working jointly with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs in Delta State.
The operation covered Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orogun, Otokutu and Ughelli, resulting in the arrest of 10 suspects.
The statement said “substances suspected to include cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis, cannabis seeds, Colorado and other related exhibits were recovered during the raids”.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The Nigerian Navy said “the operations were part of sustained efforts to tackle threats to national security, including petroleum theft, illegal refining and the distribution of illicit drugs, which contribute to criminal activities”.
It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt illicit supply networks and protect the nation’s economic assets.
The Navy added that it would sustain operations across its areas of responsibility to strengthen security and support lawful action against those involved in criminal activities.
