By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a combined 75,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in three dugout reservoirs within the Oteghele general area of Delta State, following two separate operations conducted on 12 and 14 October 2026 under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director Naval Information disclosed this in a statement signed on Wednesday.
The operations by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA led to the discovery of approximately 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in one reservoir on 12 October and a further 45,000 litres in two large reservoirs on 14 October.
The reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The successive discoveries highlight the presence of concealed storage points that could facilitate the accumulation and onward movement of suspected stolen crude oil.
Uncovering these stockpiles disrupts a key link in the illicit petroleum trade and reduces opportunities for the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s oil resources.
Through Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the Nigerian Navy has continued to uncover concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupt infrastructure suspected of supporting crude oil theft.
The Navy will sustain intelligence-led operations to identify and dismantle such facilities, constrain the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners, and protect critical national assets, with the ultimate aim of curbing oil-related economic sabotage and safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum revenue.
