The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant successes in its fight against crude oil theft under Operation Delta Sanity II, with multiple arrests and seizures carried out in January 2025 across Rivers, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta states.

In a statement signed by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, the Navy reported the discovery and deactivation of numerous illegal refinery sites, the seizure of over 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and the arrest of several suspects involved in oil-related crimes.

On January 6, a wooden and a fibre boat carrying about 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil were seized in Krakrama, Rivers State. The following day, nine illegal refinery sites were dismantled in Ilaje, Ondo State, where 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered along with 1,400 litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO). On January 10, a medium-sized boat transporting illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was intercepted in Akwa Ibom, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

In a major security operation on January 11, a militant camp in Opu-Okumbiri, Bayelsa State, was raided, resulting in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers. Weapons, including an AK-56 rifle, five pump-action guns, and 68 rounds of ammunition, were recovered from the camp. On January 12, security forces discovered a vandalized crude oil pipeline at Akaso well 14 and 17, is where 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil were seized.

On January 19, a 30-meter wooden boat carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted in Ilaje, Ondo State. Further operations on January 27 in Rivers State led to the deactivation of **six vandalized wellheads, 110 ovens, 45 reservoirs**, and the recovery of **31,000 litres of stolen crude oil** and **15,000 litres of illegally refined AGO**.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reaffirmed the Navy’s determination to eliminate crude oil theft and other maritime crimes. He emphasized that these operations are crucial to ensuring national economic stability and security.

The Nigerian Navy urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to oil theft to security agencies.