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The Nigerian Navy under Operation DELTA SENTINEL has sustained operational control over known illegal refining hotspots in Riverst state, thereby thwarting repeated attempts to revive demolished refinery facilities.

The development is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Sunday in Abuja.

In the report, Folorunsho recalled that on July 10, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, PATHFINDER, discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites within the Egbema axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

He observed that despite the successful operation, criminal elements attempted to reactivate the sites, prompting sustained monitoring and follow-up anti-crude oil theft operations by the navy.

“During the latest operation, NNS PATHFINDER personnel rediscovered and deactivated two reactivated illegal refining sites, recovering approximately 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.

“They also recovered 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, concealed in seven dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres, ” he stated.

The director of naval information further said all illegal refining sites and recovered products were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures.

The naval spokesperson restated the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, protect critical national assets, and support Nigeria’s economic security.

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The teacher accused of flogging a 12-year-old boy to de@th at a school in Adazi-Enu, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, has voluntarily reported to the Neni Police Station in the same LGA

The Anambra State Police Command disclosed this.

Mrs Dim Ebere, 47, from Adazi-Ani, was earlier said to be on the run after the boy reportedly di£d from injuries allegedly sustained during the flogging.

The police launched a manhunt for the suspect and has now revealed in a statement that she is in custody.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 18, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect turned herself in following sustained manhunt operations by the command’s Safe School Protection Squad.

Ikenga said the operation was carried out in collaboration with officers of the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters and through continuous engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Adazi-Ani.

He said the suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, where the ongoing investigation will be concluded.

The statement read, “Following sustained manhunt operations by the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Protection Squad, in collaboration with officers of the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters, and continuous engagement with stakeholders and community leaders in Adazi-Ani, the principal suspect, Mrs Dim Ebere, aged 47, has voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station.

“The suspect is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, where the ongoing investigation will be concluded.

“The family of the deceased and members of the public are hereby assured that the Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served.

“The Command further urges members of the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations and other policing efforts across the state.”

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The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT has handed over 18 bags of cannabis sativa weighing about 756 kilogrammes to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The handover took place on Friday at the NNS Beecroft parade ground, Apapa, Lagos State.

The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, while addressing journalists at the base, disclosed that the illicit consignments were recovered during separate intelligence-led operations conducted within the command’s operational area over the past few months.

He further described the handover as another significant milestone in the Navy’s sustained campaign against maritime crimes.

“Five bags of suspected cannabis sativa were intercepted at Abule Osun on April 7, 2026. Another two bags were recovered at Ikare Island on April 13, while 11 bags were seized at Alpha Beach on July 15, bringing the total recovery to 18 bags weighing approximately 757 kilogrammes,” he said.

Adams-Aliu further explained that the integrated surveillance platform combines long-range cameras, sensors and other sophisticated technologies capable of tracking activities even in areas beyond the physical reach of naval patrol boats.

“These successful operations were made possible by the Nigerian Navy Western Regional Control Centre, popularly known as Falcon Eye, an advanced maritime surveillance system that provides extensive monitoring across Nigeria’s coastal waters.

“It underscores the vigilance, professionalism and operational readiness of personnel of NNS BEECROFT in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain.”

Adams-Aliu said the achievements further validate the technological transformation championed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whose vision prioritises intelligence gathering and advanced surveillance capabilities.

Pledging deeper collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly the NDLEA, he reaffirmed that NNS BEECROFT, under the Western Naval Command led by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, will sustain intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers and other maritime criminals.

Deputy Commander, NDLEA Marine Command, Commander Narcotic Luka Yerima, receiving the exhibits on behalf of the Commander, NDLEA Marine Command, Commander Narcotic Morrison Udo, commended the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering partnership in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.