The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant successes in its ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II, aimed at curbing crude oil theft, illegal refining activities, and other maritime crimes in Nigeria’s waterways. The operations, conducted across multiple states, have led to the arrest of several oil thieves, the deactivation of illegal refinery sites, and the recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and other illegal items.
In a statement released by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, and shared on the Navy’s verified Facebook page, the series of coordinated operations from January 6 to January 23, 2025, showcased the Navy’s determination to combat economic sabotage and protect Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
The Nigerian Navy discovered and seized one wooden boat and one fibre boat laden with approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil around the Krakrama general area in Rivers State. This operation disrupted an illegal transportation network used by oil thieves to smuggle stolen crude oil.
In a major crackdown, nine interlinked illegal refinery sites were uncovered in Obe-Nla riverine community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The Navy recovered 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in four large tanks and an additional 1,400 litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO). Two locally fabricated wooden boats and pumping machines used in the refining process were also seized.
A medium-sized wooden passenger/cargo boat carrying six 250-litre capacity drums filled with illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was intercepted around the Bendero and Uta Uyata axis in Mbo Local Government Area. In the process, five suspects involved in oil theft were arrested.
A militant camp in the Opu-Okumbiri, Akassa axis of Brass Local Government Area was raided, resulting in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers. The Navy recovered an assortment of weapons, including one AK-56 assault rifle, three locally fabricated guns, five pump-action guns, one foreign double-barrel gun, and several rounds of ammunition. Other items seized included SIM cards, mobile phones, a chainsaw machine, and cash.
The Navy discovered a vandalized point along Akaso well 14 and 17 flow lines connected to a dugout pit containing about 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil. This illegal connection posed a significant environmental hazard and economic loss to the nation.
Multiple illegal refinery sites were deactivated, and over 20 drums of illegally refined AGO were recovered around Azuzuwama Okpuktuari and Southern Ijaw areas in Bayelsa State. In Rivers State, illegal refining sites with dugout pits and boats containing about 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil were also deactivated.
A 30-meter wooden boat conveying stolen crude oil was seized around Obe-Nla riverine community, Ilaje LGA, Ondo State, with an estimated 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In Rivers State, illegal refinery sites with cooking tanks, metal storage tanks, and reservoirs filled with illegally refined AGO were discovered and deactivated. The Navy also seized five abandoned wooden boats used for transporting stolen crude oil.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to eradicating maritime crimes in Nigerian waters. He emphasized that the Navy will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle illegal operations threatening the nation’s economy and environment.
Vice Admiral Ogalla commended the Navy personnel involved in the operations for their dedication and urged them to remain vigilant in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain. He also called on the public to support security agencies by providing credible information that could aid in the fight against oil theft and other criminal activities.
The Nigerian Navy has appealed to citizens, especially those in coastal and riverine communities, to report any suspicious activities related to oil theft and illegal refining. Public cooperation is crucial in the fight against economic sabotage, as it helps security agencies respond swiftly to threats and protect national resources.
These operations demonstrate the Navy’s unwavering resolve to secure Nigeria’s waterways, protect the environment from the adverse effects of oil spills, and ensure that the country’s natural resources are preserved for the benefit of all.
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