Navy Recovers 10,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil in Delta

The Nigerian Navy says it uncovered a dugout reservoir holding about 10,000 litres of a substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in Oteghele, in Delta State’s Warri South Local Government Area.

Personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship Delta in Warri made the discovery last Wednesday during an operation against crude oil theft. The operation followed intelligence about suspected illegal petroleum activities in the area.

According to a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, the reservoir and its contents were dealt with under established procedures. The Navy said this prevented the suspected stolen crude from being used in further illicit activity.

NNS Delta operates under the command of Commodore Shehu Tasiu. The Navy said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to deny criminal operators access to crude oil and the infrastructure used for its illegal exploitation. It also linked the action to directives from Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas to protect critical national infrastructure within Nigeria’s territorial waters.