The Nigerian Navy has recorded major operational gains in the first quarter of 2026 under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a maritime security initiative launched on 13 January 2026 to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the operation which replaced Operation DELTA SANITY II was designed to enhance maritime surveillance, strengthen intelligence coordination, and introduce a structured quarterly review system aimed at improving operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Between January and March 2026, the Navy conducted over 183 successful operations across key areas in the Niger Delta, leading to the recovery of approximately 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and the arrest of 18 suspects linked to crude oil theft and related maritime crimes.
Operational breakdown shows February as the most productive month, with 360,700 litres recovered, followed by 118,800 litres in January and 52,000 litres in March, reflecting sustained pressure on illicit oil bunkering networks.
Several high-impact interceptions were recorded during the period. These include the seizure of 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State between 20 and 23 January, the interception of an 18-tonne barge in February, the discovery of a 96,000-litre illegal wellhead in Bayelsa State on 23 February, and the recovery of 34,000 litres of petroleum products on 5 March.
In March alone, intensified multi-theatre operations across Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States led to further significant recoveries. These included about 45,000 litres of crude oil at Alakiri River on 14 March and 44,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Ogbologo on 21 March, alongside the arrest of eight suspects. Additional recoveries ranging from 4,000 litres to over 21,000 litres were recorded in several locations, with illegal storage sites, vessels, and pipeline connections dismantled.
Overall, the Navy confirmed that at least 22 illegal refining sites, four storage facilities, three vessels or boats, and two wellhead or pipeline connections were destroyed during the quarter. Authorities noted that sustained naval operations are progressively disrupting the economic networks sustaining oil theft.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and critical national assets, noting that ongoing intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration will be further intensified to curb crude oil theft and support national economic recovery efforts.
The service urged continued public support as it sustains efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime space and improve crude oil production levels in line with national priorities.
