Navy Uncovers Crude Oil Reservoir in Delta, Seizes 17,000 Litres

Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting

WARRI – The Nigerian Navy has dealt another decisive blow to oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta, uncovering a clandestine crude oil storage facility cleverly concealed beneath leaves, wooden planks and thick vegetation in Delta State.

Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, acting on credible intelligence, swooped on the Ugbokodo Creek axis and discovered a freshly excavated reservoir containing approximately 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, according to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.

The operation, conducted under the aegis of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was significantly bolstered by aerial surveillance assets.

Captain Folorunsho revealed that while initial ground assessments suggested no suspicious activity, detailed analysis of drone imagery exposed the carefully disguised site, which had been hidden to evade detection.

“Further exploitation of the site led to the discovery of about 17,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil stored within the camouflaged reservoir,” the statement read.

“Investigations also revealed evidence of recent crude oil theft activities, suggesting that the location served as a temporary storage point within an illicit crude oil supply network.”

The Navy noted that the discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods being employed by criminal elements engaged in crude oil theft across the region.

However, it emphasised that the continued integration of intelligence-driven operations and advanced aerial surveillance has significantly enhanced its capacity to detect and dismantle illegal oil theft networks.

All recovered products, the reservoir and associated materials were handled in accordance with established operational procedures, effectively denying economic saboteurs access to resources intended to sustain further criminal activities.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets, the Nigerian Navy stated it will continue to intensify efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL through persistent surveillance, intelligence-led operations and coordinated enforcement actions aimed at protecting the nation’s critical energy infrastructure.

The seizure comes as authorities ramp up the fight against oil theft, which has continued to plague the Niger Delta and severely impact Nigeria’s oil revenues.