The Navy has uncovered a concealed crude oil storage facility allegedly used by oil thieves in Delta State, recovering about 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The discovery was made by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA during an operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following intelligence reports of illegal crude oil activities around the Ugbokodo Creek area of the state.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation involved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance to locate the suspected illegal site.
The statement revealed that the area initially appeared normal, but further analysis of drone footage exposed a large reservoir that had been deliberately hidden under leaves, wooden materials, planks and thick vegetation in an attempt to avoid detection.
A search of the location led to the discovery of the underground storage point containing approximately 17,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
The Navy said the site showed evidence of recent illegal activities and was believed to have served as a temporary storage point within a wider crude oil theft network operating in the region.
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The discovery, according to the Navy, reflects the increasingly sophisticated methods being used by criminal groups involved in oil theft, but added that intelligence-led operations and surveillance technology were improving efforts to track and disrupt such activities.
The recovered products and materials found at the site have been secured in line with operational procedures, as the Navy continues its crackdown on crude oil theft and attacks on Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL through continuous monitoring, intelligence-based actions and coordinated efforts to protect the nation’s economic resources.
