In a determined move to combat crude oil theft and vandalism, the Nigerian Navy has executed a string of coordinated operations under Operation DELTA SANITY, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the dismantling of several illegal refinery sites across the Niger Delta region.
According to a statement released by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the operations were carried out between April 20 and 22, 2025, across Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States. The operations reflect the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain under the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
On April 20, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH apprehended four suspects armed with pipeline vandalism tools near the Renaissance Africa Energy Company’s pipeline at River-Kolo Creek in Bayelsa State.
The following day, April 21, troops from the Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS uncovered and shut down two illegal refinery sites in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. The sites contained two refining ovens and ten dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil.
Also on April 21, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH intercepted and confiscated two vehicles in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State, each carrying several sacks of illegally refined petroleum products.
On April 22, the Naval Outpost ONITSHA arrested two suspects found with a locally-made rifle and ten machetes while attempting to breach the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a deadly attack on June 11, 2024, which resulted in the death of three soldiers.
On the same day, officers aboard Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA dismantled two additional illegal refinery sites at Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The sites featured nine dugout pits, as well as containers filled with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and stolen crude oil.
In total, the three-day operation resulted in the arrest of six individuals, the destruction of four illegal refinery sites and nine dugout pits, and the seizure of two vehicles used for transporting illicit products.
These efforts, according to Commodore Adams-Aliu, signify the Navy’s unwavering resolve to eradicate oil theft and safeguard Nigeria’s economic lifeline from criminal exploitation.
