By Stella Odueme
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 during a joint anti-drug operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State.
The operations, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, targeted illegal refining activities and suspected drug distribution networks across the two states.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on Friday, the Navy said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH discovered a suspected illegal refining site in Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made on October 15 following credible intelligence.
According to the statement, 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.
The naval personnel also discovered 18 smaller pits containing about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The statement noted that the suspected operators 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, NNS DELTA, in collaboration with the NDLEA, raided locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs in Delta State.
The affected locations included Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orogun, Otokutu and Ughelli.
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 subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The Navy said the operations were aimed at addressing two major security threats: the theft and illegal processing of petroleum resources and the distribution of illicit drugs, which fuels criminal activities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to dismantle illegal refining facilities, disrupt illicit supply networks and support lawful action against offenders.
The Navy added that the efforts were part of its broader commitment to protecting national assets and enhancing security across its areas of responsibility.