Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Oil Operations, Arrests Suspects

The Nigerian Navy conducted operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeting illegal oil refining activities in Rivers State and drug distribution networks in Delta State. Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, reported that personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH discovered a suspected illegal refining site in Orashi Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, containing five large pits with approximately 105,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 18 smaller pits with about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

The operators fled upon the arrival of naval personnel, and the recovered products were managed according to established procedures. Additionally, between October 14 and 15, personnel from NNS DELTA, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), raided various locations in Delta State, resulting in the arrest of 10 suspects involved in drug storage and distribution.

The suspects and seized items were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation.