By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illicit drug trafficking in Delta State, recovering approximately 80,000 litres of crude oil and arresting three suspected drug traffickers in separate operations.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operations were conducted by personnel of NNS DELTA between September 21 and 23, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities within the unit’s area of responsibility.
The Navy said its personnel on September 21 discovered a large dugout reservoir containing approximately 30,000 litres of crude oil in the Oteghele general area.
Two days later, another operation in the Obodo Amadino general area led to the discovery of a second dugout reservoir containing about 50,000 litres of crude oil, bringing the total volume recovered from the two operations to approximately 80,000 litres.
The recovered crude oil was subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures, the Navy said.
In a related operation, NNS DELTA personnel, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), carried out an anti-drug operation on September 22 in the Warri general area and its environs.
The joint operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of approximately 15 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa, 0.5 gramme of cocaine and 0.5 gramme of methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth.
The suspects and seized substances were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
The Navy said the operations demonstrated its capacity to tackle multiple forms of criminality affecting the maritime and coastal environment, particularly crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and illicit drug trafficking.
It added that sustained inter-agency cooperation remained critical to disrupting criminal networks and strengthening security within its area of responsibility.
