The Nigerian Navy says it has recovered 105,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during a series of anti-crude oil theft operations in Delta State, as security agencies intensify efforts to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The recoveries occurred under Operation Delta Sentinel within the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta Area of Operation, according to the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho.
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In a report published by Vanguard newspaper, Mr Folorunsho, a Navy captain, said the operation also uncovered concealed storage facilities allegedly used by suspected oil thieves to stockpile stolen crude in the Oteghele axis of Delta State.
He said the recovered products comprised 60,000 litres and 45,000 litres found at separate locations.
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“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,” Mr Folorunsho said.
He added that the latest operation demonstrates the Navy’s resolve to dismantle the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the success recorded under Operation Delta Sentinel reflects sustained efforts to degrade criminal networks involved in economic sabotage while protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
Mr Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment through continuous operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, strengthening national security and supporting economic development.
Renewed crackdown
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.
In recent months, PREMIUM TIMES has reported several operations by the Nigerian military and security agencies that led to the discovery and destruction of illegal refining sites, arrests of suspected oil thieves and the recovery of stolen petroleum products across Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states.
The newspaper also earlier reported that security forces intensified operations under Operation Delta Safe to protect critical oil infrastructure and improve crude oil production, which persistent theft and sabotage have affected.
Despite the intensified enforcement, illegal refining and crude oil theft remain prevalent in parts of the Niger Delta, with regulators and industry stakeholders identifying the crimes as major contributors to oil spills, environmental degradation and significant revenue losses for the country.
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