The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft, uncovering large-scale illegal activities in the Niger Delta region. As part of Operation Delta Sanity II, naval personnel discovered a major illegal refining site in the Igbomotoru area of Bayelsa State on January 6, 2025. The operation yielded a significant haul of stolen crude oil, according to a statement by Air Commodore Adams Aliu, Director of Information.
On January 7, 2025, the Navy intercepted a large wooden boat siphoning crude oil from the Enang C Platform located in Iko, Akwa Ibom State. The vessel was loaded with two GP tanks, each with a 10,000-litre capacity, and an estimated total of 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additional equipment, including twelve GP tanks, three service tanks, four submersible pumps, and three outboard engines, was seized.
Further extending their efforts, the Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda discovered another illegal refinery site in the Obe-Nla Riverine Community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The raid led to the dismantling of nine interlinked illegal refinery camps, five of which were active at the time. Recovered items included 20,000 litres of crude oil, 1,400 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil, pumping machines, and locally fabricated boats.
The Navy confirmed that all seized products and equipment have been handled in line with established regulations. This relentless operation underscores the Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil refining and protecting Nigeria’s economic resources.
The Nigerian Navy has urged communities in the Niger Delta to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to sustain the fight against crude oil theft.