Navy recovers 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude in Delta

By Taiwo Scholastica

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during a series of operations conducted in Delta State under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

The operations were carried out within the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA Area of Responsibility as part of the ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.

According to the Navy, its personnel discovered concealed storage facilities allegedly used by suspected economic saboteurs to store stolen crude oil at separate locations in the Oteghele axis of Delta State.

The recovered products were estimated at 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres, respectively, bringing the total quantity recovered during the operations to approximately 105,000 litres.

The discoveries followed targeted operations aimed at identifying and disrupting locations used to store illegally obtained crude oil.

The Navy stated that the concealed facilities were hidden within the terrain to stockpile products away from conventional surveillance.

This latest recovery is part of the Navy’s sustained operations to dismantle criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and the illegal exploitation of petroleum resources across the Niger Delta.

“The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, recording the recovery of approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during a series of anti-crude oil theft operations in Delta State,” the service said.

The Navy explained that the operations were also aimed at denying criminal groups access to the facilities and resources required to continue their illegal activities.

It noted that crude oil theft remains a major challenge to the nation’s petroleum industry, as such activities undermine government revenue, disrupt legitimate oil operations, and damage critical infrastructure.

The service stated that the recovery further underscores the importance of sustained patrols and surveillance in areas vulnerable to oil theft.

It added that operations within the NNS DELTA domain will continue as part of ongoing efforts to protect critical oil and gas assets and enhance security across the region.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating criminal elements involved in crude oil theft, the Navy pledged to maintain pressure on illegal networks operating in the Niger Delta.

The latest operation highlights ongoing security efforts aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum resources and curbing losses associated with illicit crude oil activities.