Navy discovers hidden crude oil storage site, recovers 17,000 litres in Delta.

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigerian Navy announced another operational success under Operation Delta Sentinel after locating a hidden crude oil storage site used for illegal oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Naval Information Director Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho revealed that Navy personnel recovered approximately 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil from the site.

The operation was carried out by the crew of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, following actionable intelligence that indicated crude oil theft activity near Ugbokodo Creek in Delta State.

He added that aerial surveillance supported the mission, enabling naval operatives to conduct a detailed search of the area.

"Although the location initially appeared free of suspicious activity, further observation and analysis of drone imagery revealed a large freshly dug reservoir deliberately concealed beneath leaves, planks, wood and thick vegetation to avoid detection," the statement read.

Further inspection uncovered the 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil stored in the camouflaged reservoir.

The Navy said the site showed clear indications of recent illegal activity and was being used as a temporary storage point within an oil‑theft network.

According to the statement, the discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by criminal elements to sustain crude oil theft operations in the region.

It added that the integration of intelligence‑led operations and aerial surveillance has improved the Navy’s ability to detect and disrupt such activities.

The recovered crude oil, the storage site and associated materials were handled in accordance with operational procedures, the Navy said.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to sustained operations under Operation Delta Sentinel, aimed at protecting critical national assets and curbing crude oil theft through intelligence‑driven and coordinated efforts.

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