Community sources told SaharaReporters that the attackers stormed the area with firearms and left several residents injured

Those killed were identified as Jerry Doctor, Danlami Magani, Sunday Chibi, Rita Abdullahi, Sunday Elkan, Esther Kefas, Happy Friday, Moses Daddy and Daddy Ibrahim.

The 11 injured victims were identified as Halla Monday, Mary Yohanna, Jummai John, Charity Danjuma, Faith Yakubu, Omi Yakubu, Ali Sandiye, Asabe Victor, Srarina Simon, Talatu Sunday and ThankGod Danladi.

Residents said the attack left the community in grief and renewed fears over the recurring violence in Southern Kaduna

Community members lamented what they described as repeated attacks on vulnerable communities in the region and called for stronger security presence.

They also urged the media, civil society organisations and government authorities to pay greater attention to the plight of residents affected by repeated violence.

Folorunsho said, “The site also showed clear indications of recent crude oil theft activity and was assessed to have served as a temporary storage point within an illicit supply network.

“The discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated concealment methods being adopted by criminal elements to sustain crude oil theft operations.

“However, the integration of intelligence-led operations and aerial surveillance capabilities continues to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s ability to detect and disrupt such illegal activities.

“The reservoir, recovered products, and associated materials were handled in accordance with extant operational procedures, effectively denying economic saboteurs access to resources intended to support further criminal activities.”

He added, “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining pressure on crude oil theft networks under operation Delta Sentinel through persistent surveillance,intelligence-driven operations, and coordinated actions aimed at protecting Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure and economic interests.”

Crude oil theft has remained a persistent challenge in the Niger Delta, contributing significantly to national revenue losses and environmental degradation.

Criminal networks often use sophisticated concealment methods, including underground reservoirs and illegal pipeline connections, to siphon and store stolen crude.