Nigerian Navy’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign, Operation DELTA SANITY II, recorded significant milestones in March 2025, disrupting illegal refining activities and arresting individuals involved in the criminal diversion of the nation’s natural resources.
According to a statement released by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, the Nigerian Navy intensified its crackdown across key hotspots in the Niger Delta, leading to the discovery and destruction of numerous illegal refining sites, seizure of stolen petroleum products, and arrest of suspects.
Major Highlights of the March 2025 Operations Include:
March 7: In Oteghele community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State, an illegal refinery site containing approximately 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, one oven, nine dugout pits, and multiple sacks and equipment was uncovered and dismantled.
March 8: A large wooden boat carrying 40,000 litres of crude oil was intercepted near Okrika and Ogajama in Rivers State.
March 9: Naval personnel arrested the vessel MFT Olokun VIII (IMO No. 8778275) on the Saint Nicholas River in Bayelsa State. Onboard were illegal arms including a G3 rifle, a pump-action gun, and ammunition. Two individuals connected to the weapons were apprehended.
March 10: Three more illegal refinery sites were destroyed in Warri South-West, yielding over 5,600 litres of stolen crude oil and AGO.
March 13: A major operation in Ohaji/Egbema West, Rivers State, led to the seizure of 55,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 4,000 litres of illegally refined AGO from eight illegal sites equipped with 55 ovens and 30 pits.
March 14–17: Successive raids in Bayelsa and Delta States uncovered wooden boats and fibre vessels transporting a combined total of over 8,700 litres of stolen crude oil.
March 20: Two wooden boats siphoning crude directly from a wellhead were seized in Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State, along with additional illegal refining equipment.
March 23–24: Continued raids around Obodo Omadino and Bille/Krakrama waterways resulted in the seizure of over 5,000 litres of stolen crude and AGO.
March 25: In Ilaje LGA, Ondo State, a large wooden boat containing approximately 100,000 litres of crude oil was intercepted at the Egbessan oilfield.
March 26: A vessel laden with 30,000 litres of illegally refined petrol was seized around Okirika, Rivers State.
March 27: One of the most impactful operations of the month took place in Ndoni, Ogba, Ohaji and Egbema West areas of Rivers State, where the Navy uncovered and destroyed four vandalised wellheads and eight illegal refinery sites. Over 110,000 litres of stolen and illegally refined petroleum products were recovered. On the same day, a storage facility with illegally refined AGO was found in Bigimi, Ondo State.
March 28–31: Final operations for the month in Delta and Bayelsa States led to the deactivation of multiple illegal sites and the arrest of two suspects. Notably, 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 5,000 litres of refined AGO were seized in the Biseni forest and Tumburu community.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifeline. He emphasized that the Navy’s efforts are in direct alignment with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve national crude oil production and protect strategic economic assets.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to combat crude oil theft, ensure maritime security, and promote stability in the region.
