The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a combined 75,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in three dugout reservoirs within the Oteghele general area of Delta.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho in an operational report on Friday said that the discovery was made in two separate operations conducted on Oct. 12 and Oct. 14.
Folorunsho said that the operation conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL led to the discovery of approximately 30,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in one reservoir on Oct. 12.
He added that a further 45,000 litres was uncovered in two large reservoirs on Oct. 14.
The naval spokesman said that the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
According to him, the successive discoveries highlights the presence of concealed storage points that can facilitate the accumulation and onward movement of suspected stolen crude oil.
“Uncovering these stockpiles disrupt a key link in the illicit petroleum trade and reduces opportunities for the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s oil resources.
“Through Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the navy has continued to uncover concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupt infrastructure suspected of supporting crude oil theft.
“The navy will sustain intelligence-led operations to identify and dismantle such facilities, constrain the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners, and protect critical national assets.”
Folorunsho said that the operations aimed at curbing oil-related economic sabotage and safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum revenue.
