Navy Recovers 80,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil

The Nigerian Navy, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has recovered approximately 80,000 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen during separate operations in Delta State. The operations were conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta between Monday and Tuesday as part of ongoing efforts to tackle crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and other forms of criminality in the Niger Delta.

According to the Navy, the first operation took place in Oteghele community, where personnel discovered a large dug-out reservoir containing about 30,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. A second operation in the Obodo Omadino area of Delta State led to the discovery of another reservoir containing approximately 50,000 litres. The combined discoveries brought the quantity recovered during the two operations to about 80,000 litres.

The joint operation also targeted suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri general area and surrounding communities. Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while security personnel recovered about 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, as well as suspected cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. The Navy said the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary legal action.

Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, described the operation as evidence of the Navy’s ability to address different forms of insecurity within its area of responsibility. He said the joint efforts covered crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and illicit drug trafficking. The Navy also reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal networks operating across the Niger Delta region.

The latest recovery adds to ongoing security operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta. Authorities have continued to target storage facilities, illegal refining sites and other infrastructure allegedly used in the illicit petroleum trade. The Navy said the recovered materials and arrested suspects remain subject to further investigation and appropriate legal procedures.