The Nigerian Navy has uncovered a combined 75,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in three dugout reservoirs within the Oteghele area of Delta.

Navy spokesman, Abiodun Folorunsho, said in an operational report on Friday that the discovery was made in two separate operations conducted on Monday and Wednesday.

Mr Folorunsho said that the operation conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA under Operation DELTA SENTINEL led to the discovery of approximately 30,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in one reservoir on October 12.

He added that the navy uncovered a further 45,000 litres in two large reservoirs on Wednesday and the reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.

According to him, the successive discoveries highlight concealed storage points that can facilitate the accumulation and onward movement of suspected stolen crude oil.

“Uncovering these stockpiles disrupts a key link in the illicit petroleum trade and reduces opportunities for the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s oil resources. Through Operation DELTA SENTINEL, the navy has continued to uncover concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupt infrastructure suspected of supporting crude oil theft.

“The navy will sustain intelligence-led operations to identify and dismantle such facilities, constrain the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners, and protect critical national assets,” he said.

Mr Folorunsho said that the operations aimed at curbing oil-related economic sabotage and safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum revenue.

(NAN)