Nigeria’s Navy Discovers 75,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil in Three Underground Reservoirs
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 75,000 litres of suspected crude oil stored in three underground reservoirs in Delta State during operations targeting oil theft and illegal petroleum activities.
The discoveries were made by personnel aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta under Operation Delta Sentinel in the Oteghele area on October 12 and 14, 2026.
The first operation uncovered approximately 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil in one reservoir. A follow-up operation two days later revealed two additional reservoirs containing a combined 45,000 litres, bringing the total volume discovered to 75,000 litres.
The Navy said the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
Operations Target Illegal Oil Storage
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, said the discoveries had exposed concealed storage facilities suspected of supporting the accumulation and transportation of stolen crude oil.
He said dismantling such facilities would disrupt the illegal petroleum trade and reduce opportunities for the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s oil resources.
The Navy did not disclose the estimated value of the crude oil or announce any arrests linked to the discoveries.
Navy Intensifies Crackdown on Oil Theft
The operations form part of the Nigerian Navy’s wider efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and other activities affecting the country’s petroleum industry.
Through Operation Delta Sentinel, the service is conducting intelligence-led operations to identify and dismantle facilities suspected of supporting illicit petroleum activities.
The Navy said it would sustain the operations to protect critical national assets, curb economic sabotage and safeguard government revenue from oil production.
Crude oil theft has remained a challenge for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, with illegal tapping, unauthorised storage and refining activities contributing to losses and creating security and environmental risks.
The latest discoveries highlight the continued efforts by Nigerian security agencies to disrupt networks suspected of facilitating the illegal movement and storage of petroleum products.
