The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a concealed crude oil storage facility in Delta State and recovered about 17,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to naval authorities, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta made the discovery during Operation Delta Sentinel, a security operation targeting crude oil theft and other illegal activities in the region.

The operation was launched following intelligence reports indicating suspected illicit oil activities around the Ugbokodo Creek area. Naval personnel, supported by aerial surveillance assets, conducted a search of the location.

Initial inspections did not reveal any obvious signs of illegal operations. However, further analysis of drone footage exposed a large underground reservoir that had been carefully hidden beneath vegetation, wooden planks, and other materials to avoid detection.

A subsequent inspection of the site led to the recovery of approximately 17,000 litres of what is believed to be stolen crude oil stored in the concealed facility.

The Navy said evidence found at the location suggested it had been recently used as a temporary holding point within a wider crude oil theft network operating in the area.

Naval authorities noted that criminal groups are increasingly adopting sophisticated methods to conceal illegal oil operations, but added that intelligence gathering and surveillance technology continue to strengthen efforts to identify and disrupt such activities.

The recovered product and related materials were secured in line with operational procedures, preventing their use in further illegal activities.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on crude oil theft syndicates through continued surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and coordinated actions aimed at safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure and protecting economic resources.