In a major boost to its ongoing war against crude oil theft and illegal refining, the Nigerian Navy has conducted a string of successful operations across Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the dismantling of several illegal refinery sites.

The operations, which took place from April 20 to April 22, 2025, were carried out under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY, a maritime security initiative aimed at sanitizing the nation’s oil-rich regions and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

According to a statement released by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, the crackdown was led by various naval units and yielded the following results:

– April 20, Bayelsa State: Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH apprehended four suspected pipeline vandals at River-Kolo Creek in possession of tools allegedly used to sabotage Renaissance Africa Energy Company’s pipelines.

– April 21, Delta State: The Forward Operating Base (FOB) ESCRAVOS discovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites at Oteghele in Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area. The site featured two refining ovens and ten dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil.

– April 21, Bayelsa State: NNS SOROH also intercepted two vehicles carrying multiple sacks of illegally refined petroleum products in Olodo Community.

– April 22, Anambra State: Naval Outpost Onitsha arrested two suspects with a locally fabricated rifle and ten machetes near the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA. Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects’ alleged involvement in the killing of three soldiers on June 11, 2024.

– April 22, Delta State: NNS DELTA dismantled two more illegal refining sites at Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community, uncovering nine dugout pits, numerous sacks, and drums filled with stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

In total, four illegal refinery sites were deactivated, nine dugout pits destroyed, two vehicles impounded, and six suspects taken into custody during the coordinated three-day operation.

Commodore Adams-Aliu reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and criminal activities in the maritime domain, in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

The Navy urged continued support from local communities and stakeholders in reporting suspicious activities to secure the nation’s oil assets.