Navy Recovers 80,000 Litres of Crude Oil, Arrests Three Drug Suspects in Delta

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 80,000 litres of crude oil in two separate anti crude oil theft operations in Delta State and arrested three suspected drug traffickers in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The operations, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, were carried out between September 21 and 23, 2026, within the Nigerian Navy’s area of responsibility in the state.

According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of NNS DELTA on September 21 discovered a dugout reservoir containing about 30,000 litres of crude oil in the Oteghele general area.

In a separate operation on September 23, another 50,000 litres of crude oil was uncovered in a large dugout reservoir in the Obodo Amadino general area.

The Navy said the recovered crude oil was handled in accordance with established procedures.

Meanwhile, personnel of NNS DELTA, in collaboration with the NDLEA, conducted a joint operation on September 22 targeting suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri general area and its environs.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of approximately 15 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa, 0.5 gramme of cocaine and 0.5 gramme of methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth.

The suspects and seized substances were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.

The Navy said the operations underscored its continued efforts to tackle crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and illicit drug trafficking, while strengthening inter-agency collaboration to disrupt criminal activities across Delta State.