The Nigerian Navy has uncovered nine illegal refining sites and recovered about 104,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during an operation in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bonny under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following actionable intelligence, the Navy said in a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday.

According to the Navy, the operation targeted illegal refining infrastructure hidden within the Wakama/Bolo and Aworkiri communities, preventing suspected crude oil thieves from expanding their illicit refining activities.

The Navy said operatives discovered 23 dugout pits across the nine illegal refining sites. Eighteen of the pits contained an estimated 104,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil, while five newly excavated pits prepared for illegal refining were destroyed before becoming operational.

It added that personnel also recovered eight locally fabricated refining pots and three large storage tanks, further disrupting the operations of the suspected oil theft syndicate.

According to the statement, all illegal refining facilities and recovered products were handled in line with existing anti-crude oil theft procedures.

The Navy said the operation underscores its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure and sustaining efforts to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has begun a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from circulation in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the products.

The agency disclosed in a statement that the exercise is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to enforce the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

According to NAFDAC, the operation follows the closure of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive and forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health.

“NAFDAC enforcement teams are conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to identify, seize, and remove banned products from circulation,” the statement said.

NAFDAC advised manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.

The agency warned that continued possession or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages amounts to a violation of the law and could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.

It explained that the enforcement exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.

NAFDAC also appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by avoiding the purchase of the banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line.

A combined security team comprising operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command, troops of the 144 Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force has repelled a terrorist attack on Garaha Village in Hong Local Government Area.

The police command said on Wednesday night that the joint team gained the upper hand against the attackers after responding promptly and forcing them to retreat towards the Sambisa Forest.

The police said the successful operation averted a fresh assault on communities in Hong, which have frequently come under attack, adding that one offensive weapon was recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

The information was contained in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, CP Kabiru Umar Hassan, commended the bravery, professionalism, and synergy among the security agencies,” Nguroje said.

Nguroje also disclosed a separate case involving the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a suspect.

“The stolen vehicle, which was reported missing after it was parked at Sammy Store adjacent to Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport, Yola, was recovered through prompt public information and swift police response,” he stated.

He added that the suspect, Omega Gubo, 59, of Rumde Baru Ward, Jimeta, Yola, was arrested in connection with the case.

“Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws,” he assured.