By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and other forms of petroleum-related economic sabotage under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following a series of operations conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA within its Area of Operations in Delta State on October 26 and 28, 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
The operations led to the interception of two wooden boats and a tugboat, alongside the discovery of approximately 120,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 20,000 litres of products suspected to be crude oil.
In the first operation at Aruton Creek on October 26, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 40,000 litres of AGO. A separate operation around Oteghele general area on the same day led to the discovery of a dugout reservoir containing approximately 20,000 litres of suspected crude oil.
Additionally, at Ijala Creek on October 28, a wooden boat carrying an estimated 80,000 litres of AGO was intercepted while discharging the product into a tugboat. The crews of both vessels abandoned them and fled upon sighting the approaching naval gunboats, leading to the subsequent arrest of the vessels.
The successful interceptions underscore the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to combating crude oil theft, disrupting illegal petroleum storage and distribution networks, and protecting the nation’s critical oil and gas assets.
The Nigerian Navy said it will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations and maritime patrols to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.
