The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft, arresting 18 suspected oil thieves and dismantling 12 illegal refining sites within the first quarter of 2026 under Operation Delta Sentinel.
The maritime security operation, launched on January 13, 2026, is aimed at strengthening the protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment while curbing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. It replaces Operation Delta Sanity II and introduces enhanced surveillance systems, improved intelligence coordination, and a structured quarterly performance review.
Between January and March 2026, naval forces carried out over 183 successful operations across key hotspots, leading to the recovery of approximately 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products. February recorded the highest volume of recoveries with 360,700 litres, followed by 118,800 litres in January and 52,000 litres in March.
Major operational milestones during the period included the seizure of 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State in January, the interception of an 18-tonne barge in February, and the discovery of a 96,000-litre illegal wellhead in Bayelsa State. Additional recoveries were made across multiple locations in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, including 45,000 litres of crude oil at Alakiri River and 44,000 litres of AGO at Ogbologo, where eight suspects were arrested.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, noted that the Navy also destroyed 4 storage facilities, 3 vessels, and 2 illegal pipeline connections used in siphoning crude oil.
The Navy said its sustained operations are already weakening the economic incentives behind oil theft, as reflected in the declining market value of seized products. It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations and stronger inter-agency collaboration to further dismantle criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Service emphasized that it remains focused on protecting national assets and boosting oil production in support of the country’s economic stability.
