Personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested three suspected drug traffickers and recovered illicit substances as well as about 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Delta State.
The arrests and seizures were made during separate joint operations conducted by the Navy and NDLEA in the creeks of the Niger Delta between Monday and Tuesday.
According to the Navy, personnel first discovered a dug-out reservoir containing about 30,000 litres of crude oil in Oteghele community.
A second operation led to the discovery of another reservoir containing approximately 50,000 litres of crude oil in Obodo Omadino community, Delta State.
The operations also extended to suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri area and surrounding communities, where three suspects were arrested.
The Navy said the operation led to the seizure of 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, alongside quantities of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, among other illicit substances.
“The suspects and recovered items are presently in custody of the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action,” the Navy said in a statement.
Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the joint operation demonstrated the Navy’s capacity to tackle multiple forms of maritime and coastal insecurity, including crude oil theft, illegal petroleum activities and drug trafficking.
He described the operation as a significant success in efforts to combat oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
“Criminal activities in the NNS Delta operational area, and the entire Niger Delta region, will be met with the best professional method under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas,” Tasiu said.
