The Nigerian Navy has intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, recovering about 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in separate operations in Delta State.
The recoveries were made under Operation Delta Sentinel, a sustained military campaign targeting criminal networks involved in the theft and illegal movement of crude oil.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, naval personnel operating within the area of responsibility of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta uncovered concealed storage facilities allegedly being used to stockpile stolen crude oil.
The facilities were discovered around the Oteghele axis of Delta State during separate operations.
One location yielded approximately 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude, while another recovery produced about 45,000 litres, bringing the total recovered volume to roughly 105,000 litres.
Folorunsho said the discoveries underscored the continued activities of crude oil theft syndicates in the region while also demonstrating the Navy’s determination to disrupt their operations.
He said the operation was aimed not only at dismantling illegal bunkering networks but also at protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and reducing the economic losses associated with crude oil theft.
The Navy spokesperson described the latest recoveries as further evidence of the effectiveness of Operation Delta Sentinel in disrupting criminal networks operating across the Niger Delta.
The operation, he added, would continue as the Navy maintains pressure on individuals and groups involved in crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other activities threatening Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
