The Nigerian Navy has recently seized 40,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Ondo State as part of its ongoing efforts to combat oil theft. This operation, conducted under the Delta Sanity II initiative, underscores the Navy’s strong commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime resources and addressing illegal activities that jeopardize the nation’s economy and security.
The operation highlights the Navy’s proactive approach to tackling the growing issue of oil theft along Nigeria’s coastline. In January alone, several key actions were carried out as part of the Delta Sanity II campaign. On January 6, two boats carrying 2,000 liters of stolen crude were seized in Rivers State. The following day, on January 7, the Navy dismantled nine illegal refinery sites and recovered 20,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Ondo State. On January 10, a wooden boat with six drums of illegally refined fuel was intercepted in Akwa Ibom, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
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The Navy’s operations continued with several more notable actions. On January 11, a raid on a militant camp in Bayelsa led to the arrest of two kidnappers and the seizure of weapons, including rifles and ammunition. On January 12, a vandalized flow line connected to a pit containing 20,000 liters of stolen crude oil was discovered in Rivers State. The Navy also deactivated three illegal refineries and seized 20 drums of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) in Bayelsa on January 15. Another illegal refinery was deactivated in Bayelsa on January 17, resulting in the recovery of 2,000 liters of stolen crude.
The Navy continued its operations in January, with a significant seizure of 40,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Ondo State on January 19, and another major operation on January 27 in Rivers State that resulted in the recovery of 31,000 liters of crude oil, along with several wellheads, ovens, and reservoirs.
Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval Staff, reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to eliminating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, emphasizing the importance of the Delta Sanity II operations in ensuring Nigeria’s economic stability and security. The Navy also urged the public to assist by reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
