Nigerian Navy Cracks Down on Oil Thieves: Operation Delta Sanity Yields Significant Results

In a concerted effort to combat oil theft and illegal refining, the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity has achieved remarkable success in the Niger Delta region. Between September 2 and 23, the operation resulted in the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites and the apprehension of eight suspected oil thieves.

The Director of Navy Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, revealed that the operation was conducted across various locations in the region, including Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Ondo states. The Navy’s efforts led to the seizure of:

  • 19 illegal refining sites
  • 25 wooden boats
  • 138 sacks laden with stolen crude oil
  • 26 reservoirs
  • 19 ovens
  • 12 dugout pits
  • 4 drums
  • 3 fibre boats

Notable successes during the operation include:

  • September 2: Destruction of an illegal refining site with two wooden boats and 28 sacks of suspected illegally refined AGO at Isonogbene, Ogboinbiri, Kasama-Azama-Isoni axis in Bayelsa.
  • September 4: Seizure of three wooden boats and one speed boat laden with stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO around Brass River, Nembe, Botokiri community in Bayelsa.
  • September 5: Destruction of two illegal refinery sites with two ovens, two reservoirs, and two wooden boats laden with stolen crude oil around Bonny Channel, Sobikiri, Adamakiri, Eferwarie, and Isaka general area of Rivers.
  • September 9: Destruction of two active illegal refining sites with one wooden boat, two ovens, three dugout pits, and four drums laden with stolen crude oil at Okporoza creek and Tibo community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta.
  • September 10: Destruction of a newly constructed illegal refinery site, one reservoir, and one dugout pit laden with stolen crude oil at Odo-Bioku within Awoye Riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Furthermore, on September 12, two suspected sea robbers were arrested in their camp in Effiat community, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

The Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to disrupt oil theft and illegal refining activities demonstrate its commitment to enhancing crude oil production and contributing to the nation’s economic development.

“The Nigerian Navy will continue to sustain the tempo of Anti Crude Oil Operations to deny oil thieves freedom of action, especially in the Niger Delta region,” Commodore Adams-Aliu assured.

The success of Operation Delta Sanity serves as a testament to the Navy’s dedication to protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas resources and ensuring the country’s economic prosperity.