Nigerian Navy Seizes 114,500 Litres Stolen Petroleum in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy uncovered approximately 114,500 litres of petroleum products suspected to be linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State during a separate anti-drug operation in Delta State. This discovery occurred while arresting 10 suspects involved in illicit drug networks.

Operation DELTA SENTINEL targeted illegal refining activities in Rivers State and suspected drug storage and distribution networks across multiple communities in Delta State. The naval vessel NNS SOROH 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 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 18 smaller pits with 9,500 litres of stolen crude oil. A joint operation by NNS DELTA and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested 10 suspects across six locations in Delta State.

The Nigerian Navy stated that these operations addressed threats to national security through petroleum theft, illegal refining, and illicit drug distribution. They emphasized intelligence-led efforts and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and protect economic assets.