Nigerian Navy’s Crackdown on Illegal Refineries, Crude Oil Theft in Niger Delta Yields Results
Between 2 and 23 September 2024, the Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SANITY, intensified its fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta, achieving notable successes.
This 21-day operation resulted in the destruction of several illegal refining sites and the arrest of eight suspected crude oil thieves.
In Bayelsa State, on 2 September 2024, naval forces targeted Isonogbene, Ogboinbiri, and Kasama-Azama-Isoni, destroying an illegal refining site, two wooden boats, and seizing 28 sacks filled with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil. Two days later, three wooden boats and a speedboat carrying stolen crude oil were seized near the Brass River, Nembe, Botokiri community.
The operations continued across the state with discoveries of illegal sites and boats laden with crude oil, culminating in a major bust on 21 September in Southern Ijaw, where four illegal refining sites were dismantled, and a suspect arrested.
In Rivers State, on 5 September 2024, two illegal refining sites, ovens, and pits were found at Bonny Channel and Sobikiri, while further operations on 13 and 17 September saw large boats carrying stolen crude oil intercepted in Billie and Asaramatoro. The Navy also struck in Delta State, where, on 9 September, they dismantled illegal refineries and arrested suspects at Warri South West.
The crackdown extended beyond the core Niger Delta region. On 22 September, five suspects were arrested at La Campagne Tropicana Beach in Lagos State, along with a wooden boat filled with stolen crude oil.
Throughout the operation, the Navy seized 138 sacks of stolen crude oil, destroyed 19 illegal refining sites, and confiscated numerous boats and reservoirs. Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the Director of Information, emphasized the Navy’s commitment to sustaining this tempo, ensuring oil thieves are denied freedom of operation, thus enhancing Nigeria’s crude oil production for economic growth.
The success of Operation DELTA SANITY marks a critical step in curbing crude oil theft, safeguarding Nigeria’s vital resources, and supporting the nation’s economic future.
