The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 17,000 litres of stolen crude oil concealed within a camouflaged reservoir in Delta State, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against oil theft.
Naval personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base in Bonny discovered the illegal facility during routine patrols on Tuesday.
The reservoir was cleverly disguised to evade aerial surveillance, with operators using local vegetation to mask their activities.
Commander of the base, Commodore Kasimu Muhammed, confirmed the seizure and said the navy had destroyed the reservoir and deactivated pumping equipment found at the site. No arrests were made as suspects fled upon sensing the naval approach.
The discovery underscores the persistent challenge of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, which costs Nigeria billions of naira monthly in lost revenue. The navy has intensified waterway patrols and joint operations with other security agencies to combat the menace.
Energy analysts say such discoveries highlight the sophistication of oil theft syndicates operating in the region.
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