In a series of well-coordinated operations aimed at crippling oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian Navy has recorded major breakthroughs across Bayelsa, Delta, and Anambra States under its ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY.
Between 20 and 22 April 2025, naval units intensified anti-crude oil theft efforts, resulting in the arrest of six suspects, deactivation of four illegal refinery sites, and the seizure of two vehicles laden with illegally refined products.
On Sunday, 20 April, operatives aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH apprehended four suspected pipeline vandals at River-Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State. The suspects were found with tools believed to be used for sabotaging the Renaissance Africa Energy pipeline.
The next day, Forward Operating Base (FOB) ESCRAVOS discovered and dismantled two illegal refinery sites in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The sites included 10 dugout pits containing substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and refining equipment.
Also on Monday, NNS SOROH intercepted two vehicles transporting several sacks of illegally refined petroleum products in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State.
In a separate operation on Tuesday, 22 April, Naval Outpost ONITSHA apprehended two armed suspects attempting to launch an attack on SEEPCO’s oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. The suspects were in possession of a locally fabricated rifle and 10 machetes. Preliminary investigations linked them to the fatal ambush on three Nigerian soldiers on 11 June 2024.
That same day, NNS DELTA stormed Bernnet Island and parts of Obodo Omadino Community in Delta State, deactivating two more illegal refinery sites. The operation uncovered nine dugout pits filled with illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil.
Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, who confirmed the operations, said the Nigerian Navy remained resolute in its mission to sanitize Nigeria’s maritime domain of criminal elements. He reiterated that the operations were conducted in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
“These daring operations highlight our zero-tolerance approach to crude oil theft and underscore our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s energy infrastructure,” Commodore Adams-Aliu stated.
