By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected crude oil theft operation in Delta State, following the discovery of about 40,000 litres of suspected crude oil stored in a large dugout reservoir in the Oteghele general area.
The discovery was made on October 7, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA (NNS DELTA), during an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected crude oil theft and other illicit activities within its Area of Operations.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected oil thieves in the area.
The suspected crude oil and the dugout reservoir were subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures, the Navy said.
The latest seizure comes barely two weeks after NNS DELTA uncovered another 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in the same Oteghele area on September 21, highlighting the persistent nature of illicit crude oil storage activities in the location.
The Navy said the repeated interventions formed part of its sustained efforts to disrupt crude oil theft and deny criminal operators access to the nation’s petroleum resources.
It added that intelligence-led operations would continue across its Area of Operations to tackle crude oil theft and protect Nigeria’s critical petroleum assets.
