Nigerian Navy Recovers 80,000 Litres of Crude Oil, Seizes Drugs in Delta Operations
The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational successes in Delta State, recovering approximately 80,000 litres of crude oil in two separate operations and arresting three suspected drug traffickers in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The operations were conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and other forms of criminality within the Navy’s area of responsibility.
In the first operation, personnel of NNS DELTA, on September 21, 2026, discovered a large dugout reservoir containing approximately 30,000 litres of crude oil in the Oteghele general area.
Two days later, on September 23, another operation in the Obodo Amadino general area led to the discovery of a separate dugout reservoir containing approximately 50,000 litres of crude oil.
The recovered crude oil was handled in accordance with established procedures.
In a related development, personnel of NNS DELTA, in collaboration with the NDLEA, conducted a joint operation on September 22 targeting suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri general area and its environs.
The 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, popularly known as crystal meth.
The suspects and the recovered illicit substances were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
The Nigerian Navy said the combined operations demonstrate its continued capacity to tackle multiple dimensions of maritime and coastal insecurity, including crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and illicit drug trafficking.
The operations also underscore the importance of inter-agency cooperation in disrupting criminal activities within the Niger Delta.
