Operation Delta Sentinel: Navy Discovers Suspected Stolen Crude Oil, Hands 19 Drug Suspects to NDLEA
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illicit drug trafficking in Delta State, uncovering approximately 25,000 litres of suspected crude oil and arresting 19 drug suspects in separate operations in the state.
The operations, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, involved personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a statement on the operations, the Navy said its personnel discovered three dugout reservoirs containing the suspected crude oil at Obodo Omadino on October 21, 2026.
The discovery was made during an operation aimed at disrupting illegal petroleum activities in the Niger Delta.
The Navy explained that the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures, adding that the operation disrupted a suspected storage point that could have facilitated the accumulation and movement of stolen crude oil.
Separately, the Navy, working with the NDLEA, arrested 19 suspects during two operations conducted between October 19 and 22 in the Warri general area.
The suspects were apprehended at locations believed to have been used for storing, selling and distributing illicit drugs.
Recovered items included 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related substances.
Following the operations, the suspects and recovered exhibits were transferred to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Nigerian Navy stressed that illegal petroleum activities and drug distribution remained serious concerns because of their implications for economic security and public safety.
It pledged to sustain intelligence-driven operations and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and protect Nigeria’s national assets.
The Navy further called on residents to support security efforts by providing credible information about suspicious activities in their communities, particularly those linked to crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution.
