Operation Delta Sentinel: Navy Busts Crude Oil Reservoir, Nabs 19 Suspected Drug Dealers

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three dugout reservoirs containing approximately 25,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in Obodo Omadino, Delta State, and arrested 19 suspects for alleged illicit drug activities in Warri.

The operations were carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS DELTA, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

According to a press statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the crude oil discovery was made on 21 October 2026.

“The crude oil discovery was made by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA on 21 October 2026 under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. The reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures. The discovery disrupted a suspected storage point that could have facilitated the accumulation and onward movement of stolen crude oil,” the statement said.

In a separate series of joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, between 19 and 22 October 2026, NNS DELTA arrested 19 suspects at locations suspected of being used for illicit drug storage, sale and distribution within the Warri general area.

Recovered exhibits included 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 35 kilogrammes of cannabis, 18 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related items.

The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The Navy said crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution pose distinct but serious threats to economic security and public safety, adding that it will intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies to disrupt illicit petroleum activities and tackle drug distribution networks.

The Navy also urged members of the public to provide timely, credible information to security agencies to help identify criminal activities, protect national assets and secure communities across the Niger Delta.