By Saminu Ibrahim
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.
The navy also while arrested 10 suspected drug dealers during a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State.
SINL Nigeria Online reports that the operations were conducted between October 14 and 15, 2026, as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and drug trafficking in the Niger Delta.
In Rivers State, 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, on October 15.
The site reportedly 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.
The naval personnel also discovered 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 in Delta State, personnel of NNS DELTA, working alongside the NDLEA, raided locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs between October 14 and 15.
The operation covered Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orogun, Otokutu and Ughelli.
The joint team arrested 10 suspects and recovered substances suspected to include cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis, cannabis seeds, Colorado and other related exhibits.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently 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 underscored the Navy’s commitment to tackling threats posed by petroleum theft, illegal refining and illicit drug distribution.
He said the Navy would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant agencies to dismantle illegal refining facilities, disrupt illicit supply networks and support lawful action against offenders.
Folorunsho added that the efforts were aimed at protecting national assets and enhancing security across the Navy’s areas of responsibility.
