The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success under Operation DELTA SENTINEL following the discovery of a concealed crude oil storage site used in supporting crude oil theft activities within the Niger Delta.
According to a press statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta after receiving actionable intelligence on suspected illegal crude oil activities around the Ugbokodo Creek axis of Delta State.
The statement noted that naval personnel, supported by aerial surveillance, conducted a detailed search of the area. It explained that although the location initially appeared free of suspicious activity, further monitoring revealed concealed activity beneath the surface.
“Supported by aerial surveillance, naval personnel carried out a meticulous search of the area. Although the location initially appeared free of suspicious activity, further observation and analysis of drone imagery revealed a large freshly dug reservoir deliberately concealed beneath leaves, planks, wood, and thick vegetation to evade detection.”
Following the discovery, the Navy said subsequent exploitation of the site led to the recovery of approximately 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil stored in the camouflaged reservoir.
“Subsequent exploitation of the site uncovered approximately 17,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil stored within the camouflaged reservoir. The site also showed clear indications of recent crude oil theft activity and was assessed to have served as a temporary storage point within an illicit supply network.”
DELTA SENTINEL: Navy Highlights Rising Sophistication of Oil Theft Networks
The Navy further highlighted that the concealment method reflects the increasing sophistication of criminal networks involved in crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region.
“The discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated concealment methods being adopted by criminal elements to sustain crude oil theft operations. However, the integration of intelligence-led operations and aerial surveillance capabilities continues to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s ability to detect and disrupt such illegal activities.”
The recovered products, reservoir, and associated materials were handled in line with established operational procedures, effectively preventing their reuse in criminal supply activities.
“The reservoir, recovered products, and associated materials were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures, effectively denying economic saboteurs access to resources intended to support further criminal activities.”
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigerian Navy stated that it will continue sustained operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks under Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intelligence-driven surveillance and coordinated actions to protect Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and economic interests.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining pressure on crude oil theft networks under Operation DELTA SENTINEL through persistent surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and coordinated actions aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure and economic interests.”
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