By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, disrupting illegal operations and denying oil thieves access to key creek networks in Delta State.
The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, led to the discovery and destruction of multiple crude oil staging sites concealed within creek corridors believed to be used by economic saboteurs for the storage and movement of stolen petroleum products.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA executed the intelligence-driven operations as part of sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline vandalism across the region.
Folorunsho said the naval operations were launched following credible intelligence and supported by maritime patrol assets and aerial surveillance.
He disclosed that the targeted raids were conducted across Madangho Creek and the Ogbe-Ijaw axis, both identified as suspected transit and staging locations for stolen crude oil.
During the operations, naval personnel uncovered an extensive network of facilities and materials linked to crude oil theft activities. The discoveries included three reservoirs, a hose line, sixteen sacks, and several cellophane bags believed to be used for the storage and transportation of stolen crude oil.
The Navy said approximately 6,500 litres of products suspected to be crude oil were recovered from the sites.
Folorunsho noted that the successful operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to dismantling the logistics and support structures sustaining crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.
He explained that by targeting storage points, supply routes and transportation nodes, Operation DELTA SENTINEL continues to weaken the operational capabilities of oil thieves and restrict their freedom of movement within the region.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to maintaining relentless pressure on criminal networks through intelligence-driven operations, persistent surveillance, and coordinated maritime security efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure and economic assets,” he stated.
