Navy Recovers 105,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil in Delta

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil in Delta State as part of intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

The recovery was made during a series of anti-crude oil theft operations conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL within the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA Area of Operation.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said its personnel discovered concealed storage facilities allegedly used by economic saboteurs to unlawfully stockpile stolen crude oil.

According to the statement, the recovered products, estimated at 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres respectively, were found at separate locations within the Oteghele axis of Delta State.

The Navy said the discovery highlighted the continued activities of criminal elements involved in crude oil theft while reaffirming its determination to dismantle the networks and infrastructure supporting the illegal trade.

It said the operations were part of sustained efforts to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal bunkering networks, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and reduce economic losses arising from the activities.

The latest recovery, the Navy noted, further demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in degrading criminal enterprises involved in crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta.

The Nigerian Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation's maritime environment and energy infrastructure through sustained operations aimed at combating economic sabotage, strengthening national security and supporting Nigeria's economic wellbeing.