The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region, recording significant operational milestones in July 2025 under Operation DELTA SANITY. This was disclosed in an official statement released by the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu.
According to the statement, the Navy deactivated 71 illegal refinery sites, dismantled 120 dugout pits, and recovered large volumes of stolen petroleum products across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States. These achievements underscore the Navy’s unwavering commitment to securing the country’s maritime domain and combating crude oil theft.
Highlights of Key Operations in July:
On 4 July, six illegal refinery sites with 40 dugout pits were deactivated around Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni in Rivers State, containing an estimated 66,000 litres of crude oil and 40,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
On 14 July, operations in Akwa Ibom State led to the arrest of six suspected smugglers transporting over 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in wooden boats, allegedly bound for smuggling into Cameroon.
In Warri South West, Delta State, multiple operations between 14 and 28 July resulted in the deactivation of dozens of illegal refinery sites and the seizure of large volumes of stolen crude and refined products. Notably, a site with over 20,000 litres of crude oil stored in tanks and underground reservoirs was discovered in Oteghele Community.
In Bayelsa State, coordinated raids on 22 and 23 July in Biseni and Akassa uncovered and destroyed illegal sites holding over 450,000 litres of stolen crude oil, along with refined products and extensive siphoning infrastructure.
Overall, over 411,400 litres of crude oil, 87,825 litres of AGO, 72,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of PMS were recovered, preventing them from entering the black market.
Strategic Impact
These successes, the Navy noted, align with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to eliminate oil theft and maritime criminality, thereby boosting national oil production.
The recent increase in Nigeria’s oil output—now exceeding 1.8 million barrels per day, as confirmed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)—is attributed, in part, to these intensified naval operations.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to national security and economic stability, vowing to sustain the tempo of Operation DELTA SANITY to deter criminal networks operating in the Niger Delta’s creeks and waterways.
“We remain resolute in protecting Nigeria’s maritime assets and infrastructure. These operations send a clear message to oil thieves: there is no hiding place,” Commodore Adams-Aliu stated.
The Navy also called on residents in coastal communities to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities and collaborating with security agencies.