Nigerian Navy Discovers Illegal Refinery in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy uncovered a suspected illegal refining site in Rivers State on October 15, 2026, containing approximately 114,500 litres of petroleum products. This discovery was made by personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in the Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.

The suspected operators fled upon the Navy's arrival, and the recovered products were managed according to operational procedures. In a separate operation conducted between October 14 and 15, 2026, the Navy, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested 10 suspects during raids on locations in Delta State associated with illicit drug activities.

The suspects and the recovered substances were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation. Throughout 2026, the Nigerian Navy has been actively targeting illegal refining networks, having dismantled several sites and recovered significant amounts of stolen crude oil and petroleum products.