By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, uncovering 75,000 litres of suspected crude oil stored in three concealed dugout reservoirs in Delta State during successive operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The discoveries were made by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA in the Oteghele general area on October 12 and 14, 2026, as the Service sustains efforts to dismantle facilities suspected of supporting the illicit petroleum trade.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the first operation, conducted on October 12, led to the discovery of approximately 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in a dugout reservoir.
A subsequent operation on October 14 uncovered an additional 45,000 litres stored in two large reservoirs, bringing the total volume discovered during the two operations to 75,000 litres.
The Navy said the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
It noted that the discoveries exposed concealed storage points capable of facilitating the accumulation and onward movement of suspected stolen crude oil, adding that dismantling such stockpiles would disrupt a critical link in the illicit petroleum supply chain.
The Service explained that Operation DELTA SENTINEL was focused on identifying and dismantling concealed petroleum stockpiles and infrastructure suspected of enabling crude oil theft and other illegal activities in the oil-producing region.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at constraining the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners, protecting critical national assets and curbing economic sabotage.
The Navy added that the ongoing operations were part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources and protect government revenue from losses associated with crude oil theft and the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s oil assets.
