Navy uncovers 17,000 litres stolen crude in Delta camouflaged reservoir

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Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Delta, have foiled a camouflaged crude oil storage site used to perpetrate crude oil theft activities in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

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The feat was performed by the naval personnel during an operation code-named ‘Delta Sentinel’ “following actionable intelligence on suspected crude oil theft activities around the Ugbokodo Creek axis of Delta State”.

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This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, in Warri on Wednesday.

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According to the statement, the naval personnel, supported by aerial surveillance, initially carried out a meticulous search of the area.

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“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.

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“Subsequent exploitation of the site uncovered approximately 17,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil stored within the camouflaged reservoir,” the statement explained.

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Folorunsho said, “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.

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“The discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated concealment methods being adopted by criminal elements to sustain crude oil theft operations.

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“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.

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“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.”

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He added, “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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Crude oil theft has remained a persistent challenge in the Niger Delta, contributing significantly to national revenue losses and environmental degradation.

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Criminal networks often use sophisticated concealment methods, including underground reservoirs and illegal pipeline connections, to siphon and store stolen crude.

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