The Nigerian Navy has discovered three dugout reservoirs containing about 25,000 litres of suspected crude oil in Delta State and arrested 19 suspected drug offenders in joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Warri.
The operations, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, targeted suspected illegal petroleum storage facilities and drug distribution networks in the Niger Delta, according to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
The Navy said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA discovered the three reservoirs at Obodo Omadino on October 21, 2026.
Capt. Abiodun stated that the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
The discovery disrupted a suspected storage point that could have been used to accumulate and transport stolen crude oil, Abiodun said.
In a separate operation, NNS DELTA, working with the NDLEA, arrested 19 suspects between October 19 and 22 at locations suspected of being used to store, sell and distribute illicit drugs in Warri.
Items recovered included 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related substances.
The Naval Information Director also said the suspects and recovered exhibits had been handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and possible legal action.
He described crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution as serious threats to Nigeria’s economic security and public safety, pledging to intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant security agencies to dismantle criminal networks.
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.
