Nigerian Navy Cracks Down On Crude Oil Theft With Major Seizures & Arrests

In a sustained effort to curb crude oil theft and secure Nigeria’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy recorded significant operational successes in January 2025 under Operation DELTA SANITY II.

The month-long operation led to multiple arrests, the deactivation of several illegal refining sites, and the seizure of large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products across various states.

According to a statement by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, the Nigerian Navy carried out a series of coordinated operations in Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. These operations led to the discovery and deactivation of illegal refining sites, the seizure of stolen crude oil, and the arrest of suspected criminals involved in maritime crimes.

On January 6, the Navy seized a wooden and fibre boat carrying 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil around Krakrama, Rivers State.

On January 7, nine illegal refinery sites and 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil were uncovered in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

On January 10, a passenger cargo boat carrying illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was seized in Mbo, Akwa Ibom State, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

On January 11, the Navy raided a militant camp in Opu-Okumbiri, Bayelsa State, arresting two suspected kidnappers and seizing a cache of weapons, ammunition, and cash.

On January 12, a vandalized pipeline connected to a dugout pit with 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil was discovered in Krakrama, Rivers State.

On January 17, an illegal refining site with 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil was deactivated in Ikputukiri, Bayelsa State.

On January 19, a 30-meter wooden boat loaded with 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil was seized in Obe-Nla, Ondo State.

On January 27, multiple illegal refinery sites with 6 vandalized wellheads, 110 ovens, and 45 reservoirs containing stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO were dismantled in Rivers State.

The Nigerian Navy also neutralized several illegal refining operations in Degema, Warri South-West, and Onne Local Government Areas, recovering thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and maritime crimes. He assured that the force would sustain its operations to protect Nigeria’s maritime resources and deter criminal activities that threaten the economy.

These operations highlight the Navy’s relentless efforts to secure the nation’s waters, dismantle illegal refinery networks, and bring perpetrators to justice. The Nigerian Navy urges the public to support its mission by providing credible information that can aid in combating oil theft and other maritime crimes.