Nigerian Navy Discovers 40,000 Litres of Suspected Crude Oil in Delta
The Nigerian Navy has discovered approximately 40,000 litres of suspected crude oil stored in a large dugout reservoir in the Oteghele general area of Delta State during an operation targeting crude oil theft and related illegal activities.
The discovery was made on 7 October 2026 by Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA (NNS DELTA), following credible intelligence on suspected crude oil theft within its Area of Operations. The recovered substance and the dugout reservoir were subsequently handled in line with established procedures.
The latest seizure follows a similar discovery by NNS DELTA in the same Oteghele area on 21 September 2026, when about 30,000 litres of suspected crude oil were uncovered. The repeated discoveries highlight the Navy’s sustained efforts to dismantle illegal crude oil storage operations and prevent the diversion of the nation’s petroleum resources.
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining intelligence-driven operations across its Area of Operations to combat crude oil theft, disrupt illicit activities and safeguard Nigeria’s critical petroleum assets.
