The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has conducted a successful joint operation, resulting in the recovery of approximately 80,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil and the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers. The operations took place in the Niger Delta creeks between Monday and Tuesday. The Navy made the announcement in a statement, highlighting the success of the anti-crude oil theft operations.
The joint operations involved two separate incidents in the Niger Delta region. The first operation, carried out in Oteghele community, led to the discovery of a large dug-out reservoir containing 30,000 liters of crude oil. In the second operation, another 50,000 liters of crude oil were discovered in the Delta community of Obodo Omadino. These discoveries demonstrate the Nigerian Navy's commitment to combating crude oil theft and other forms of maritime insecurity.
In addition to the anti-crude oil theft operations, the Nigerian Navy and NDLEA also conducted a joint operation against suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri general area and its environs. This operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 15 kilograms of cannabis, some cocaine, and crystal meth. The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
The Commander of NNS-Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, commented on the incident, highlighting the significance of the combined operation. He noted that the operation demonstrates 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.
Commodore Tasiu described the development as a significant operational success in the fight against oil thieves and all forms of criminality in the Niger Delta region. He emphasized that the Nigerian Navy will continue to address criminal activities in the NNS Delta operational area and the entire Niger Delta region with the best professional methods under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The joint operations by the Nigerian Navy and NDLEA reflect a strengthened collaboration between security agencies to tackle the issues of crude oil theft and illicit drug trafficking in the Niger Delta region. The success of these operations is expected to serve as a deterrent to those engaging in such criminal activities.
The Nigerian Navy's efforts to combat maritime insecurity and crude oil theft have been ongoing, with various operations conducted in recent years to address these issues. The recovery of 80,000 liters of stolen crude oil and the arrest of three suspects demonstrate the Navy's commitment to protecting the country's maritime domain and natural resources.
Key points
- The Nigerian Navy recovers 80,000 liters of stolen crude oil in joint operations with NDLEA.
- Three suspects are arrested for suspected drug trafficking and crude oil theft.
- The operations demonstrate the Nigerian Navy's ability to address multiple dimensions of maritime and coastal insecurity.
