The Nigerian Navy has intensified its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, recovering approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during operations in Delta State.
The recoveries were made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL within the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA Area of Operation, as naval personnel continued efforts to disrupt criminal activities threatening the nation’s oil and gas sector.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operations led to the discovery of concealed storage facilities allegedly being used by economic saboteurs to stockpile suspected stolen crude oil.
The recovered products, estimated at 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres respectively, were discovered at separate locations within the Oteghele axis of Delta State.
The Navy said the latest operation underscored the persistence of criminal elements involved in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, while demonstrating its determination to deny such networks access to the resources and infrastructure required to sustain their activities.
The recoveries form part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Navy to disrupt crude oil theft networks, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and reduce economic losses arising from the illegal exploitation of the country’s petroleum resources.
The latest success also highlights the continued activities of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which has been targeting criminal enterprises involved in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta.
The Navy said its sustained operations were aimed at degrading the capacity of oil thieves to operate, while strengthening the security of Nigeria’s maritime environment and energy infrastructure.
It reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against economic sabotage and safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas assets in support of national security and economic development.
