Navy Uncovers 65,000 Litres of Suspected Crude Oil in Delta

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 25,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in a dugout reservoir in the Oteghele general area of Delta State, bringing the total quantity recovered in the area to 65,000 litres within two days.

The latest discovery was made on October 8, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA following credible intelligence, as the Navy intensifies its operations against suspected crude oil theft in the area.

The reservoir and its contents were handled in accordance with established procedures, the Navy said.

The latest recovery follows the discovery of approximately 40,000 litres of suspected crude oil in the same area on October 7, bringing the combined quantity uncovered during the two consecutive operations to 65,000 litres.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the successive operations underscored the importance of sustaining pressure on locations allegedly used for the storage of illicit petroleum products.

The Navy reiterated its commitment to denying criminal operators the opportunity to exploit the nation's petroleum resources unlawfully.

It added that the operations form part of ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria's critical economic assets and curb activities associated with crude oil theft.