Navy Recovers 105,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude, Uncovers Illegal Storage Facilities in Delta

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during a series of anti-crude oil theft operations in Delta State, dealing a significant blow to criminal networks engaged in economic sabotage under Operation Delta Sentinel. The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, August 7, 2026, confirming that the operations were conducted within the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta Area of Operation.

The recovery, which comprised approximately 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres found at separate locations, was made along the Oteghele axis of Delta State, where naval personnel also uncovered concealed storage facilities allegedly used by suspected oil thieves to stockpile stolen crude. According to the Navy spokesman, 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. He added that the success further demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing operations under Operation Delta Sentinel, which continues to degrade criminal enterprises engaged in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta region.

Earlier in the week, the Navy discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, recovering 85,300 litres of stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs, highlighting persistent attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illicit operations despite sustained enforcement efforts. Folorunsho reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's maritime environment through continuous operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, strengthening national security, and supporting the nation's economic development. The latest recovery follows renewed efforts by security agencies to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining, which have continued to undermine Nigeria's oil production and government revenue.

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