Nigerian Navy Uncovers 25,000 Litres of Suspected Crude Oil, Arrests 19 Drug Suspects in Delta
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three dugout reservoirs containing approximately 25,000 litres of suspected crude oil in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, and arrested 19 suspected drug offenders during separate joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Warri.
The operations were conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft and disrupt illicit drug distribution networks across the Niger Delta.
The Navy disclosed that the suspected crude oil was discovered on October 21, 2026, by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA. The three reservoirs and their contents were handled in line with established procedures.
According to the Navy, the discovery disrupted a suspected storage facility that could have been used to accumulate and transport stolen crude oil.
In a separate operation conducted jointly with the NDLEA between October 19 and 22, NNS DELTA arrested 19 suspects at locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs within the Warri area.
Items recovered during the operations included 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The Navy said the suspects and recovered exhibits had been handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
It noted that crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution posed significant threats to Nigeria’s economic security and public safety.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations and strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies to combat illegal petroleum activities and drug trafficking.
The Navy also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to help identify criminal activities, protect national assets and improve security across the Niger Delta.
