The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three dugout reservoirs containing approximately 25,000 litres of suspected crude oil in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, and arrested 19 suspected drug offenders in separate joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Warri.
The operations, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, were carried out as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft and dismantle illicit drug distribution networks across the Niger Delta.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the crude oil discovery was made by Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA on October 21.
He explained that the three reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures, adding that the discovery disrupted a suspected storage facility that could have been used to accumulate and transport stolen crude oil.
In a separate development, two joint operations conducted by NNS DELTA and the NDLEA between October 19 and 22 led to the arrest of 19 suspects at locations allegedly used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs within the Warri area.
Items recovered during the operations included 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related exhibits.
The Navy spokesman said the suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations and strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies to combat illegal petroleum activities and drug trafficking.
He also called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to help identify criminal activities, protect national assets and enhance security across the Niger Delta.
