The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
As part of Operation Delta Sanity 2, the Navy confiscated over 303,700 litres of stolen crude oil and its by-products in March 2025.
The operation, which targeted illegal oil refining activities in Rivers, Delta, Ondo, and Bayelsa states, led to the discovery and deactivation of 23 illegal refinery sites.
In addition to seizing crude oil, the Navy also recovered wooden boats, pumping machines, arms and ammunition, and arrested several suspects involved in the illicit activities.
Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, provided details of the operation, highlighting key incidents from March 2025.
On March 7, an illegal refinery site with 5,500 litres of crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was deactivated in Warri, Delta State. The following day, a large wooden boat loaded with 40,000 litres of crude oil was seized in Rivers State.
A major breakthrough occurred on March 9 when the Navy arrested the crew of a seagoing vessel, MFT Olokun VIII, off the coast of Bayelsa State. The ship was carrying illegal firearms, including a G3 rifle and several rounds of ammunition. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the firearms.
Throughout the month, Navy personnel dismantled multiple illegal refinery sites, seizing stolen crude oil, AGO, and other refining equipment.
Notable seizures included a large wooden boat containing 100,000 litres of crude oil in Ondo State and another boat with 30,000 litres of illegally refined petrol in Rivers State.
On March 27, the Navy uncovered a vast network of illegal refining operations in Rivers State, with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 25,000 litres of refined AGO seized.
In total, over 303,700 litres of stolen crude and refined products were recovered during the month-long operation.
The Navy’s actions are part of a broader effort to curb the economic damage caused by oil theft, which has long plagued the region.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the Navy’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic activities and safeguarding the nation’s oil production, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
