Navy Uncovers Illegal Crude Oil Staging Sites, Recovers 6,500 Litres in Delta Creeks

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and dismantled multiple crude oil staging sites hidden within creek networks in Delta State as part of intensified operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, on Thursday, the operations were conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

The statement said the intelligence-led operations, supported by maritime patrol and aerial surveillance, targeted Madangho Creek and the Ogbe-Ijaw axis, identified as transit and staging points for stolen crude oil.

During the operations, naval troops discovered three reservoirs, a hose line, 16 sacks and several cellophane bags used for storing and transporting stolen crude oil.

About 6,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were also recovered from the sites.

According to the Navy, the discoveries exposed an organised logistics network used by oil thieves to move stolen crude oil through remote creek channels while evading security agencies.

The Nigerian Navy said the reservoirs, storage facilities and recovered products were handled in line with operational procedures to deny criminal elements access to resources sustaining illegal activities.

It added that Operation DELTA SENTINEL remains focused on dismantling the logistics and transportation network supporting crude oil theft and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure and economic assets.