The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational successes in the fight against crude oil theft and maritime crimes under Operation Delta Sanity II, leading to increased crude oil production in the country.
Throughout February 2025, the Navy seized over 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products across the South-South and South-West regions. Several illegal refining sites, boats, and other equipment used for illicit activities were discovered and deactivated.
Among the key operations were the seizure of wooden and fibre boats laden with thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo states. Notably, over 72,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO were confiscated in major operations in Ondo and Rivers states between February 18 and 19. The Navy also deactivated several illegal refining sites, including those with multiple refining ovens, dugout pits, and storage facilities used for large-scale crude oil theft.
Additionally, two suspected pipeline vandals were arrested in Rivers State, while multiple wooden and fibre boats used for smuggling fuel to Cameroon were intercepted.
Since the launch of Operation Delta Sanity II on December 30, 2024, the Navy has significantly disrupted illegal crude oil operations, contributing to Nigeria’s daily crude oil production increasing to 1.75 million barrels per day, as confirmed by NUPRC CEO, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe.
Meanwhile ,the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and intensifying efforts against crude oil theft.
The Nigerian Navy urged the public to support its efforts by reporting any suspicious activities that threaten Nigeria’s economic and environmental security.
