The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a hidden crude oil storage facility in Delta State and recovered about 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in a fresh crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The operation, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta following intelligence reports of illegal oil theft activities around the Ugbokodo Creek area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the mission was supported by aerial surveillance, which played a key role in identifying the concealed site.
According to him, initial inspections of the area did not reveal any suspicious activity. However, further analysis of drone footage exposed a large reservoir that had been carefully hidden beneath leaves, wooden planks and dense vegetation to evade detection.
Naval operatives subsequently uncovered the storage facility and recovered approximately 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil from the site.
The Navy noted that evidence found at the location indicated recent illegal operations and suggested the facility was being used as a temporary storage hub within a broader oil theft network.
It added that the discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by criminal groups involved in crude oil theft across the region.
The service further stated that intelligence-driven operations combined with aerial surveillance have significantly enhanced its ability to track, detect and disrupt illegal activities targeting the nation’s oil resources.
The recovered crude oil, storage facility and related materials were handled in accordance with established operational procedures.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating oil theft, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue sustained operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical national assets and strengthen efforts to curb economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
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