The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a dugout reservoir containing about 10,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in the Oteghele general area of Delta State.
The discovery was made on September 2, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA during an anti-crude oil theft operation within its area of responsibility.
The operation followed credible intelligence on suspected illegal petroleum activities in the area.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the discovery formed part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to disrupt crude oil theft and other forms of illegal oil-related activities.
According to him, the dugout reservoir and its contents were subsequently handled in line with established procedures, preventing the suspected stolen crude from being further deployed for illicit activities.
The Navy said the operation was part of its sustained campaign to deny criminal operators access to crude oil and the infrastructure used to facilitate its illegal exploitation.
The latest discovery further underscores the military’s continued efforts to tackle crude oil theft and protect Nigeria’s oil-producing assets and revenue.
