The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, working alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has recovered approximately 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in two separate operations in Delta State.

The operations, conducted in parts of the Niger Delta creeks, targeted suspected crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the region. Reports from the security agencies indicate that the crude oil was discovered in large dug-out reservoirs at two different locations.

In the first operation around the Oteghele community area, naval personnel discovered a reservoir containing approximately 30,000 litres of crude oil.

A second operation around the Obodo Omadino area resulted in the recovery of another estimated 50,000 litres, bringing the total quantity recovered in the two operations to about 80,000 litres.

The Navy said the recovered crude oil was handled in line with established operational procedures.

Separately, personnel from NNS Delta and the NDLEA conducted a joint operation targeting suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri area and surrounding communities.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various suspected illicit substances, including approximately 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, as well as cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.

The suspects and seized items were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and appropriate action.

The operations demonstrate the involvement of multiple security agencies in tackling different forms of criminal activity across the Niger Delta's waterways and coastal communities.

Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, described the operations as an important achievement in the effort to combat crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and illicit drug trafficking within the command's area of responsibility.

He said the Navy would continue to employ professional measures against criminal activities within its operational area.

The recovery comes amid continuing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to reduce crude oil theft, illegal refining and other activities that affect the country's petroleum industry.

Earlier reports have also documented the discovery of illegal crude-oil storage facilities and other infrastructure used in suspected oil theft operations across the Niger Delta.

While the recovered crude oil is described as suspected stolen crude, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the discoveries and the identities of those responsible remain ongoing.

The latest operation adds to the series of enforcement activities being carried out across the Niger Delta as security agencies target oil theft and other forms of criminality in the region.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia