The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and intercepted about 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in separate operations across the Niger Delta.
The operations, conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta and the NDLEA between Monday and Tuesday, also led to the seizure of cannabis, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.
In a statement received on Thursday, the Navy disclosed that the anti-crude oil theft operations were carried out in Oteghele community and Obodo Omadino in Delta State.
According to the statement, operatives first uncovered a dug-out reservoir containing 30,000 litres of crude oil in Oteghele community.
A second operation in Obodo Omadino led to the discovery of another reservoir containing 50,000 litres, bringing the total quantity of recovered crude oil to approximately 80,000 litres.
In a related operation targeting drug trafficking in the Warri general area and adjoining communities, the joint team apprehended three suspects and recovered 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, alongside quantities of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.
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The Navy confirmed that the suspects and seized substances had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
Speaking on the operations, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the coordinated efforts demonstrated the Navy’s capacity to tackle different forms of criminal activities threatening maritime security in the region.
He described the operations as a significant achievement in the ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and drug trafficking in the Niger Delta.
Tasiu assured that criminal activities within the command’s area of responsibility would be addressed through professional security operations in line with the directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The latest seizures form part of ongoing security efforts to curb economic sabotage and other criminal activities across the Niger Delta waterways.