Nigerian Navy says joint operation recovers 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude

The Nigerian Navy says a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recovered approximately 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and led to the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The arrests and seizures took place during two separate anti-crude-oil-theft operations conducted between Monday and Tuesday, according to information from the security agency. In a statement, the Navy said personnel found a dug-out reservoir containing 30,000 litres of crude oil in Oteghele community.

A second operation in the Delta community of Obodo Omadino uncovered another 50,000 litres, it said. The NNS Delta and NDLEA teams also carried out a joint operation targeting suspected illicit drug activity in the Warri general area and nearby locations. Three suspects were arrested, while the teams seized 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, along with some cocaine and crystal meth, among other items.

The Navy said the suspects and recovered materials were in NDLEA custody for further investigation and necessary action. The source material does not give the identities of those arrested or indicate whether charges have been filed. Commodore Shehu Tasiu, commander of NNS Delta, described the operation as evidence that the Navy could tackle several forms of maritime and coastal insecurity at the same time.

He said the joint action addressed crude-oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and drug trafficking. Tasiu said criminal activity in the NNS Delta operational area and the wider Niger Delta would be met with what he called the best professional method under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.