By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered about 25,000 litres of suspected crude oil stored in three dugout reservoirs in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, and arrested 19 suspected drug offenders in separate operations in Warri.
The operations were carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a statement issued on Thursday by Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the crude oil discovery was made on October 21, adding that the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
According to the statement, the discovery disrupted a suspected storage facility that could have been used to accumulate and transport stolen crude oil.
The Navy also disclosed that two joint operations conducted between October 19 and 22 in the Warri area led to the arrest of 19 suspects at locations allegedly used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs.
Items recovered included 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related substances.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Navy described crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution as serious threats to economic security and public safety, pledging to intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant agencies to combat the crimes.
It also urged members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies to help identify criminal activities, protect national assets and enhance security across the Niger Delta.