Navy Discovers Illegal Refinery in Rivers, Nabs 10 Drug Suspects in Delta
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on economic and drug-related crimes, uncovering 114,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers State and arresting 10 suspected drug offenders in Delta State.
The operations were carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and illicit drug distribution.
In Rivers State, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH discovered a suspected illegal refining facility in Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, on October 15, 2026.
The discovery followed credible intelligence received by the naval personnel.
A search of the facility revealed five large dugout pits containing approximately 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel.
The personnel also found 18 smaller pits containing about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The total quantity of petroleum products discovered at the site was estimated at 114,500 litres.
However, the suspected operators escaped before they could be apprehended after sighting the naval personnel. The recovered products were subsequently handled in line with established procedures.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, personnel of NNS DELTA and operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency conducted a joint operation between October 14 and 15, targeting locations suspected of facilitating the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs.
The operation covered several locations, including Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orogun, Otokutu and Ughelli.
Ten suspects were arrested during the raids, while substances suspected to include cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis, cannabis seeds, Colorado and other related exhibits were recovered.
Following the operation, the suspects and recovered items were transferred to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings.
The Nigerian Navy described the operations as part of broader efforts to address criminal activities threatening national security and economic stability.
It said intelligence-driven operations and cooperation with other security agencies would continue to play a key role in dismantling illegal refining operations, disrupting illicit drug supply chains and protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
The Navy also reiterated its determination to sustain the fight against criminal activities across its areas of responsibility.
