Between April 20 and 22, 2025, the Nigerian Navy intensified its efforts to combat crude oil theft through a series of coordinated operations under Operation DELTA SANITY. The operations targeted illicit activities in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Anambra States.
In an official statement, the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, outlined key outcomes of the three-day operation:
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April 20 – Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH apprehended four suspected pipeline vandals in possession of tools used for pipeline sabotage near the Renaissance Africa Energy Company pipeline at River-Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State.
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April 21 – Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS dismantled two illegal refinery sites containing two refining ovens and ten dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State. On the same day, SOROH intercepted two vehicles conveying multiple sacks of illegally refined petroleum products in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State.
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April 22 – Naval Outpost ONITSHA arrested two suspects armed with a locally fabricated rifle and ten machetes near the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects may be linked to the attack and killing of three soldiers on June 11, 2024.
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Also on April 22, NNS DELTA deactivated two additional illegal refinery sites at Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The sites comprised nine dugout pits and multiple containers laden with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and stolen crude oil.
Commodore Adams-Aliu confirmed that a total of six suspects were arrested, four illegal refinery sites and nine dugout pits were dismantled, and two vehicles used for transporting illicit products were impounded.
These sustained operations, he noted, underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to eliminating crude oil theft and associated criminal activities within the nation’s maritime domain, in alignment with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
