Massive Blow to Oil Theft: Navy Intercepts 10,000 Litres in Warri
The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta has uncovered a dugout reservoir containing 10,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during an anti-theft operation in Oteghele, Delta State. This discovery, based on credible intelligence, is part of the Navy's sustained efforts to combat illegal petroleum activities and protect national infrastructure as per strategic directives.
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, operating under the command of Commodore Shehu Tasiu, recently conducted a significant anti-crude oil theft operation in Oteghele, located within the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. This crucial operation, carried out last Wednesday, was initiated following the reception of credible intelligence concerning suspected illegal petroleum activities in the specified region. During their meticulous search, operatives successfully uncovered a dugout reservoir that contained approximately 10,000 litres of a substance highly suspected to be stolen crude oil.
According to an official statement released by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the discovered reservoir and its contents were handled with extreme care and in strict adherence to established operational procedures. This decisive intervention effectively prevented the suspected stolen crude oil from being further utilized for any illicit activities. The Nigerian Navy underscored that this operation is a vital component of its sustained and broader efforts aimed at denying criminal operators access to crude oil and the critical infrastructure that is often exploited to facilitate its illegal extraction and distribution.
Furthermore, the Navy explicitly stated that these ongoing operations are fully aligned with the strategic directives issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. The paramount objective of these directives is to robustly protect critical national infrastructure situated within Nigeria’s territorial waters. These continuous efforts highlight the Navy's unwavering commitment to combating crude oil theft and diligently safeguarding national resources, building upon similar successful actions such as the arrest of various vessels, the seizure of substantial quantities of suspected stolen fuel (including 15,500 litres, 104,000 litres, and 105,000 litres in other instances), and the systematic destruction of numerous illegal refining sites across the region.