Navy Uncovers 114,500 Litres of Petroleum Products, Arrests 10 Suspects in Rivers, Delta
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 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.
On October 15, 2026, 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.
The site contained five large dugout pits holding approximately 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Naval personnel also discovered 18 smaller pits containing about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, bringing the total volume of petroleum products recovered to approximately 114,500 litres.
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, working alongside the NDLEA, raided locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs in Delta State.
The raids covered 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 possible legal action.
The Nigerian Navy said the operations were aimed at tackling threats to national security, including petroleum theft, illegal refining and the distribution of illicit drugs.
It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations and collaboration with relevant security agencies to dismantle illegal refining facilities, disrupt criminal networks and protect the country’s national assets.
