Navy and NDLEA seize 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude in Delta

The Nigerian Navy and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested three suspected drug traffickers and recovered approximately 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in joint operations in Delta State. The operations were conducted between Monday and Tuesday in the Niger Delta creeks, according to information released by the Nigerian Navy. The crude oil was recovered in two separate locations.

The Navy said personnel discovered a dug-out reservoir containing 30,000 litres of crude oil in Oteghele community. A second operation uncovered another 50,000 litres in the Delta community of Obodo Omadino. In a separate operation targeting suspected illicit drug activity in the Warri general area and surrounding locations, Navy and NDLEA personnel arrested three suspects.

They also seized 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, as well as cocaine and crystal meth, among other substances. The Navy said the suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action. The source material did not identify the suspects or provide details of any charges.

Commodore Shehu Tasiu, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, described the combined operation as evidence of the Navy’s ability to address several forms of maritime and coastal insecurity at once. Tasiu said the operation covered crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and illicit drug trafficking. He added that criminal activity in the Navy’s operational area and across the Niger Delta would be confronted through what he called professional methods under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.