By Sumaila Ogbaje/DECAN
The Nigerian Navy says it has recovered about 105,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil during anti-crude oil theft operations in Delta State.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the recoveries were recorded under Operation DELTA SENTINEL within the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA Area of Operation.
He said naval troops discovered concealed storage facilities used by economic saboteurs to stockpile suspected stolen crude oil in the Oteghele axis of Delta State.
According to him, the products comprised about 60,000 litres recovered from one location and another 45,000 litres recovered from a separate site.
He said the operations reflected the persistence of criminal elements engaged in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta.
Folorunsho said the Nigerian Navy remained determined to deny the criminals the resources and infrastructure needed to sustain their illicit activities.
He said the operations formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle crude oil theft networks, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and reduce economic losses.
“The latest success further demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL,” he said.
He added that the operation would continue degrading criminal enterprises involved in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta region.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and energy infrastructure through sustained operations against economic sabotage.
He said the Navy would continue supporting national security and protecting the country’s economic interests through intensified maritime security operations. (DECAN)