Navy recovers 80,000 litres of crude oil, arrests woman and two others

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 80,000 litres of crude oil in two separate anti-crude oil theft operations and, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested 3 suspected drug traffickers and recovering illicit substances in the Niger Delta. 

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director Naval Information, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

According to the statement, the first operation, conducted by NNS DELTA on 21 September 2026 in the Oteghele general area, resulted in the discovery of a large dugout reservoir containing approximately 30,000 litres of crude oil. 

In a separate operation on 23 September, another 50,000 litres of crude oil was uncovered in a large dugout reservoir in the Obodo Amadino general area. 

The recovered crude oil was handled in accordance with established procedures.

In a related development, personnel of NNS DELTA and the NDLEA conducted a joint operation on 22 September against suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri general area and its environs.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of approximately 15 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa, 0.5 gramme of cocaine and 0.5 gramme of methamphetamine (crystal meth). 

The suspects and recovered substances were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.

“The combined operations demonstrate the Nigerian Navy's ability to address multiple dimensions of maritime and coastal insecurity, from crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities to illicit drug trafficking, while leveraging inter-agency cooperation to disrupt criminal activity within its area of responsibility,” the statement added.