ABUJA – The Nigerian Navy has announced the seizure of 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and the destruction of several illegal refining sites in January under Operation Delta Sanity II.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, highlighted the navy’s sustained efforts in combating crude oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Major Operations and Arrests
The navy’s operations led to several notable successes, including:
January 6: The seizure of one wooden and one fibre boat loaded with 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil around the Krakrama area of Rivers State.
January 7: The discovery and destruction of nine interlinked illegal refinery sites, along with four large tanks containing 20,000 litres of stolen crude and 1,400 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO).
Ondo State: Two pumping machines and locally fabricated wooden boats were seized at Obe-Nla riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area.
Seized Cargo: A medium-sized wooden passenger/cargo boat carrying six 250-litre drums filled with illegally refined petrol (PMS) was intercepted, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
Raid on Militant Camp and Weapon Seizure
In a separate operation on January 11, naval troops raided a militant camp in the Opu-Okumbiri, Akassa area of Brass Local Government, Bayelsa State, arresting two suspected kidnappers.
Recovered weapons included:
One AK-56 assault rifle
Five pump-action guns
Four locally fabricated guns
A foreign double-barrel gun
68 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
Four empty AK-47 magazines
25 shotgun cartridges
Additionally, security forces recovered identity documents, mobile phones, and banking cards linked to the suspects.
Commitment to Eradicating Oil Theft
The Nigerian Navy also uncovered a vandalized flow line at Akaso Well 14 and 17, linked to a dugout pit containing approximately 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Several other illegal refinery sites across Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, and Delta states were dismantled.
Commodore Adams-Aliu reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to eradicating crude oil theft and maritime crimes, citing the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to securing Nigeria’s waterways.
“These successful operations in January underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eliminating crude oil theft and ensuring maritime security,” he stated.
