The naval spokesman said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the SSS in line with established inter-agency cooperation protocols for further investigation and action.
According to him, the suspects fled on sighting naval personnel.
Mr Folorunsho said an anti-crude oil theft patrol team was deployed to the area, leading to the discovery of an active illegal refining site.
Mr Folorunsho highlighted recent search-and-rescue successes, including the rescue of 16 passengers during a sea robbery incident in the Ibaka–Calabar Channel in March.
