Nigerian Navy Launches Crackdown on Oil Thieves in Delta, Bayelsa, Imo

Nigerian Navy Launches Crackdown on Oil Thieves in Delta, Bayelsa, Imo

In a determined effort to combat crude oil theft and sabotage of critical infrastructure, the Nigerian Navy has carried out a series of coordinated operations across Bayelsa, Delta, and Anambra States. The operations, executed between April 20 and 22, 2025, fall under the ongoing naval security campaign, Operation DELTA SANITY.

According to a statement signed by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, a total of six suspects were apprehended, four illegal refinery sites dismantled, and nine dugout pits containing stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were deactivated during the three-day offensive.

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The crackdown began on Sunday, April 20, when personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH arrested four individuals suspected of pipeline vandalism around the Renaissance Africa Energy Company pipeline at River-Kolo Creek in Bayelsa State. Tools used for the illegal activity were recovered from the scene.

The following day, Monday, April 21, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) ESCRAVOS discovered and dismantled two illegal refinery sites in the Oteghele area of Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State. The sites were equipped with two refining ovens and 10 dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil.

Also on the same day, NNS SOROH intercepted and seized two vehicles transporting sacks filled with illegally refined petroleum products in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State.

On Tuesday, April 22, troops from the Naval Outpost in Onitsha apprehended two armed suspects carrying a locally made rifle and 10 machetes near SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a deadly attack on June 11, 2024, which resulted in the killing of three Nigerian soldiers.

That same day, NNS DELTA personnel uncovered and deactivated two more illegal refinery sites in Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community, also in Warri South-West LGA. Nine dugout pits, along with sacks and drums of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), were found at the sites.

These operations reflect the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to securing the nation's maritime environment and dismantling the network of oil theft and criminality. The Navy reiterated its resolve to enforce maritime law and ensure that those behind the illegal oil trade are brought to justice, in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.