The Nigerian Navy has intensified its war against crude oil theft, dismantling illegal refineries and confiscating over 107,350 liters of stolen crude oil and its by-products in a recent crackdown under Operation Delta Sanity 2.
The operation, which spanned Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Delta states throughout February, underscores the Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime assets and curbing economic sabotage.
According to Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, the Navy’s aggressive interventions have contributed to a surge in Nigeria’s daily crude oil production, now standing at 1.75 million barrels per day—a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing operation, as acknowledged by the NNPCL.
Major Seizures & Crackdowns
The Navy’s latest efforts have seen the seizure of vessels, illegal storage facilities, and crude-laden boats, including:
February 1 & 5: Two boats smuggling PMS to Cameroon intercepted in Akwa Ibom.
February 9 & 11: Multiple boats carrying over 7,300 liters of stolen crude oil confiscated in Rivers State.
February 12: Large-scale illegal refinery sites with over 30,000 liters of crude oil dismantled in Bayelsa.
February 16: Four active illegal refineries, complete with ovens, storage pits, and crude-filled sacks, shut down in Delta.
February 18 & 19: Refinery camps in Ondo and Rivers states with over 72,000 liters of stolen crude oil destroyed.
February 26: A massive illegal refinery site with 12,000 liters of crude oil deactivated in Bayelsa.
Beyond the seizures, the Navy also apprehended suspected vandals and intercepted tools used for oil pipeline sabotage.
A Winning Battle Against Oil Theft
The Navy has vowed to sustain the momentum, with Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla reaffirming their resolve to combat maritime crimes.
The crackdown comes as Nigeria fights to reclaim its oil industry from the grip of criminals, with stakeholders lauding the Navy’s efforts in securing vital national resources.
