By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 75,000 litres of suspected crude oil stored in three dugout reservoirs in the Oteghele general area of Delta State during two separate operations conducted on October 12 and 14, 2026.
The discoveries were made by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and protect the nation's petroleum resources.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho on Friday, in the first operation on October 12, naval personnel discovered approximately 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in one reservoir. A further 45,000 litres were uncovered in two large reservoirs during the second operation on October 14.
The Nigerian Navy said the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
According to the Navy, the discoveries highlight the existence of concealed storage facilities that could be used to accumulate and transport suspected stolen crude oil.
It noted that uncovering such stockpiles disrupts a critical link in the illicit petroleum trade and reduces opportunities for the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria's oil resources
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to identify and dismantle facilities suspected of supporting crude oil theft and illegal refining.
It added that the operations would continue to constrain the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners, protect critical national assets, curb oil-related economic sabotage and safeguard the country's petroleum revenue.
