The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 75,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil stored in three dugout reservoirs in the Oteghele area of Delta State.

The navy spokesperson, Abiodun Folorunsho, said in an operational report on Friday that the discovery was made during two separate operations conducted on Monday and Wednesday.

Folorunsho said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, discovered about 30,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in one reservoir on October 12.

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

According to him, the discoveries exposed concealed storage facilities that could 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.

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