The Nigerian Navy has announced significant achievements in its fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes through Operation Delta Sanity II, which was launched on December 30, 2024. During February 2025, naval personnel conducted multiple raids across the South South and Southwest regions, seizing more than 129,000 liters of stolen crude oil, intercepting smuggled fuel, and dismantling numerous illegal refinery sites.
In a statement released by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, the Navy detailed the interception of wooden and fiber boats laden with stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo States. Several major busts included the seizure of two wooden boats on February 1 and 5, both carrying drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly en route to the Republic of Cameroon, as well as the discovery and deactivation of multiple illicit refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Ondo States.
One of the largest operations took place on February 19 in Egbema West, Rivers State, where the Navy uncovered numerous illegal refinery installations, including approximately 70 ovens, 40 reservoirs, and 50 dug-out pits holding an estimated 50,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 5,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). In a separate raid on February 12, personnel dismantled another illegal refinery site with over 30,000 liters of stolen crude oil and multiple refining ovens in Bayelsa State’s Ekeremor Local Government Area.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, praised the dedication of naval personnel involved in Operation Delta Sanity II and reiterated the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain. He noted that these actions have contributed to the recent rise in the country’s daily crude oil output, which the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reports at around 1.75 million barrels per day.
Operation Delta Sanity II is part of the Navy’s broader strategy to curb oil theft, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain stability in the nation’s waterways. The Navy urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that collaboration between security forces and local communities is essential for sustaining the fight against maritime crimes.