The Nigerian Navy says its operatives uncovered a dugout reservoir containing about 10,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oteghele, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The discovery was made during an anti-crude oil theft operation by Nigerian Navy Ship Delta following intelligence about suspected illegal petroleum activity in the area.
NNS Delta operates under the command of Commodore Shehu Tasiu.
Director of Naval Information Abiodun Folorunsho said the reservoir and its contents were handled in accordance with established procedures after the discovery.
The Navy said the operation prevented the suspected crude from being further used for illegal activity.
The material was described as suspected stolen crude oil pending the applicable verification and investigation process.
The Navy said the operation formed part of continuing efforts to deny illegal operators access to crude oil and infrastructure used for theft and illicit refining.
It linked the action to directives from Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas to strengthen protection of critical petroleum infrastructure and Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Crude theft and illegal refining have remained major concerns in the Niger Delta because of their impact on production, government revenue, environmental conditions and pipeline security.
