Navy finds hidden oil stash, seizes 17,000 litres of crude

The Nigerian Navy has found a hidden storage site for crude oil linked to oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

This information came from a report by Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the director of naval information. He shared this news with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

Captain Folorunsho said personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA carried out the operation under Operation Delta Sentinel. They acted on reliable information about suspected oil theft activities near the Ugbokodo Creek area in Delta.

"Naval personnel, with support from aerial surveillance, conducted a careful search of the area.

"At first, the location seemed clear of any suspicious activities. But further checks and drone images showed a large reservoir that was freshly dug and hidden under leaves, wood, and thick vegetation to avoid being seen," he said.

He added that the inspection of the site revealed about 17,000 litres of products believed to be stolen crude oil in the hidden reservoir.

He noted that there were clear signs of recent oil theft activity and that the site likely served as a temporary storage point for an illegal supply network.

The naval spokesperson pointed out that this discovery shows how criminals are using more advanced hiding methods to continue stealing crude oil.

But he mentioned that the use of intelligence-driven operations and aerial surveillance is improving the Nigerian Navy’s ability to find and stop these illegal activities.

"The reservoir, the seized products, and other materials were dealt with according to current operational rules. This action stopped economic saboteurs from getting access to resources meant for further criminal acts," he said.

Captain Folorunsho promised that the Navy will keep up the pressure on oil theft networks under Operation Delta Sentinel. They will continue with regular surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and coordinated efforts to protect Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and economic interests.