The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three reservoirs containing about 25,000 litres of suspected crude oil in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, and arrested 19 suspects during separate operations targeting illicit drug activities in Warri.
The operations were carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL and in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency between October 19 and 22, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA discovered the three dugout reservoirs on October 21 in Obodo Omadino.
The Navy said the discovery disrupted a suspected storage facility that could have been used to accumulate and transport stolen crude oil.
It added that the reservoirs and their contents were handled in line with established procedures.
In separate operations conducted jointly with the NDLEA in the Warri general area, the Navy arrested 19 suspects at locations suspected of being used to store, sell and distribute illicit drugs.
The statement said the operatives recovered 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related exhibits.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The Navy described crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution as threats to the country’s economic security and public safety, pledging to intensify operations against the activities.
It said it would strengthen intelligence-led operations and cooperation with relevant agencies to disrupt illegal petroleum activities, dismantle drug distribution networks and support the prosecution of suspected offenders.
The statement also called for continued cooperation with relevant authorities in tackling criminal activities within the Niger Delta.
The latest operation forms part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to combat crude oil-related crimes and support law enforcement agencies in addressing the distribution of suspected illicit drugs in Delta State.
