The Nigerian Navy has recovered 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a sustained offensive against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities under Operation Delta Sentinel in Delta State.

Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta led the operations that discovered the products concealed in separate storage facilities – 60,000 litres and 45,000 respectively used by economic saboteurs for the unlawful stockpiling of stolen crude oil within the Oteghele axis of the state.

Naval Spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said in a statement on Friday that the recoveries underscore the persistence of criminal elements involved in crude oil theft as well as the Service’s determination to deny them the resources and infrastructure required to sustain their illicit activities.

“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,” he said, adding that the latest success further demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing operations under Operation Delta Sentinel, which continues to degrade criminal enterprises engaged in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta region.

Earlier in the week, the Navy discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites within the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni axis of Rivers State, and recovered 85,300 litres of stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs.

This was just days after the discovery and deactivation of similar illegal refining infrastructure within the same general area, highlighting the persistent attempts by economic saboteurs to reactivate illicit operations despite sustained enforcement efforts.

Folorunsho had said that the recurring discoveries underscore the effectiveness of the Navy’s sustained operational presence in identified hotspots, which continues to deny criminal elements the freedom to establish and maintain illegal refining networks.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and energy infrastructure through sustained operations aimed at combating economic sabotage, enhancing national security and supporting the nation’s economic well-being.