Navy Cracks Down On Oil Thieves In Niger Delta

In a renewed offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refining, the Nigerian Navy has recorded major successes under its ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II in the Niger Delta.

Over the past four weeks, the Navy has seized over 324,100 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and apprehended a vessel engaged in illicit activities. Additionally, eight illegal refining sites have been destroyed, with arms and ammunition also recovered from suspects.

Spokesman for the Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, disclosed the operation’s progress in a statement issued on Friday.

Key Operations and Seizures:

• March 7: Troops stormed an illegal refinery at Oteghele, Obodo Omadino (Warri South-West LGA, Delta), recovering 5,500 litres of crude oil, 2,000 litres of diesel, and dismantling ovens and dugout pits used for refining.
• March 8: A large wooden boat carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted near Okrika and Ogajama in Rivers State.
• March 9: A seagoing vessel, MFT Olokun VIII (IMO No. 8778275), was arrested at Saint Nicholas River, Bayelsa. Onboard were illegal firearms including a G3 rifle, pump-action gun, 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, and 7 live cartridges. Two suspects were detained.
• March 10: In Warri South-West LGA, Delta, three illegal refinery sites were deactivated, with over 5,600 litres of stolen and illegally refined oil seized.
• March 13: Troops uncovered a vandalised wellhead and eight illegal sites in Ohaji/Egbema (Rivers), recovering 55,000 litres of crude oil and 4,000 litres of refined diesel.
• March 14: Along the Dodo River (Bayelsa), two boats carrying over 5,000 litres of crude oil were impounded.
• March 17: In another strike at Warri South-West, Delta, three illegal sites were dismantled and over 4,600 litres of stolen and refined oil seized.
• March 20: Around Clough Creek (Bayelsa), troops intercepted two wooden boats siphoning crude directly from a wellhead.
• March 23: Over 4,900 litres of crude and AGO were seized from illegal sites in Oteghele, Delta State.
• March 24–25: Operations in Rivers and Ondo States led to the seizure of a boat with 1,500 litres of crude, and a massive 100,000 litres from a wooden boat near Egbesan oilfield (Ilaje LGA, Ondo).
• March 26–27: At Okirika and Ndoni (Rivers), the Navy dismantled a suspected kidnappers’ camp, 8 refining sites, 4 vandalised wellheads, and seized over 110,000 litres of crude, AGO, and kerosene.
• March 28–30: Further strikes in Warri and Bayelsa uncovered additional illegal sites, including a large cache of 30,000 litres of crude oil and 5,000 litres of diesel in Biseni forest.

Commodore Adams-Aliu affirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the offensive despite operational challenges.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in eradicating crude oil theft, vandalism, and illegal refining operations. These efforts are vital to national economic security and environmental protection,” he said.

The success of Operation Delta Sanity II underscores the Navy’s growing capability and dedication to restoring order in oil-producing regions, curbing criminal enterprises, and protecting Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.