By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another gain in its operations against suspected crude oil theft, uncovering approximately 25,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in a dugout reservoir in the Oteghele area of Delta State.
The discovery was made on October 8, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA following credible intelligence, as the service sustains efforts to prevent the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the reservoir and its contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The latest discovery brings the quantity of suspected crude oil uncovered by NNS DELTA in Oteghele to approximately 65,000 litres within two consecutive days.
The Navy had on October 7 discovered about 40,000 litres of suspected crude oil in the same area, with the successive recoveries highlighting the importance of sustained operations at locations allegedly used for the storage of illicit petroleum resources.
The service said the operations were aimed at denying criminal operators the opportunity to exploit petroleum resources unlawfully and protecting Nigeria’s critical economic assets.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on suspected oil theft activities through intelligence-led operations and other measures designed to safeguard the nation’s petroleum resources.
