Navy Uncovers 75,000 Litres of Suspected Crude Oil in Delta
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 75,000 litres of suspected crude oil concealed in three dugout reservoirs in Delta State during sustained anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The discoveries were recorded by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA in the Oteghele general area during two separate operations carried out on October 12 and 14, 2026.
Details of the operations indicated that naval personnel discovered approximately 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in a dugout reservoir during the first operation on October 12.
Two days later, on October 14, the team uncovered another 45,000 litres of the suspected product stored in two large reservoirs within the same general area.
The discoveries brought the total volume of suspected crude oil uncovered during the two operations to approximately 75,000 litres.
The Navy stated that the reservoirs and their contents were handled in line with established procedures.
It explained that the discovery of the concealed stockpiles highlighted the continued use of hidden storage points that could support the accumulation and onward transportation of suspected stolen crude oil.
The Navy further noted that dismantling such storage points was essential to disrupting the supply chain associated with crude oil theft and other illegal petroleum activities.
It stressed that Operation DELTA SENTINEL remained focused on identifying and dismantling facilities suspected of being used by oil thieves and illegal refiners.
The service also pledged to sustain intelligence-driven operations across the Niger Delta to prevent the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s petroleum resources.
The Navy maintained that these efforts were aimed at protecting critical national assets, reducing oil-related economic sabotage and safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum revenue.
