Navy seizes 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Delta

The Nigerian Navy has recovered 105,000 litres of products thought to be stolen crude oil. This happened during anti-crude oil theft operations in Delta State. Security agencies are stepping up efforts to fight oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The recoveries took place under Operation Delta Sentinel in the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta Area of Operation. This information comes from the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho.

According to a report from Vanguard newspaper, Captain Folorunsho said the operation also found hidden storage facilities. These facilities are believed to be used by suspected oil thieves to keep stolen crude oil in the Oteghele area of Delta State.

The recovered products included 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres found at different locations. “The operations form part of sustained efforts to disrupt crude oil theft networks, protect critical oil and gas assets, and prevent economic losses to the nation,” said Folorunsho.

He added that this recent operation shows the Navy’s commitment to breaking down the infrastructure that supports crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta.

Folorunsho noted that the success of Operation Delta Sentinel shows the ongoing work to weaken criminal networks involved in economic sabotage while also protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment. This includes continuous operations to tackle crude oil theft, improve national security, and support economic development.

Renewed efforts

This latest recovery comes after renewed actions by security agencies aimed at stopping crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining. These issues have been hurting Nigeria’s oil production and reducing government revenue.

In recent months, PREMIUM TIMES has reported several operations led by the Nigerian military and security agencies. These operations have led to the discovery and destruction of illegal refining sites, arrests of suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of stolen petroleum products in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states.

Despite the increased enforcement, illegal refining and crude oil theft still happen in parts of the Niger Delta. Regulators and industry stakeholders say these crimes cause major oil spills, environmental damage, and significant revenue losses for the country.