By Joyce Ekeh
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 75,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil stored in three dugout reservoirs in the Oteghele area of Delta State during two separate operations conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The discoveries were made on October 12 and 14, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, according to the Navy’s Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said the first operation on October 12 led to the discovery of approximately 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in one reservoir, while a follow-up operation on October 14 uncovered another 45,000 litres in two large reservoirs.
He said the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
According to him, the successive discoveries point to the presence of concealed storage facilities that could be used to accumulate and move suspected stolen crude oil.
“The successive discoveries highlight the presence of concealed storage points that could facilitate the accumulation and onward movement of suspected stolen crude oil,” he said.
Folorunsho said uncovering the stockpiles would disrupt a key link in the illicit petroleum trade and reduce opportunities for the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s oil resources.
He added that the Navy, through Operation Delta Sentinel, had 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,” he said.
