By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SANITY II has recorded significant successes in the fight against crude oil theft, with a series of arrests and seizures made in January 2025.
Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Aliu Adams-Aliu made this known in a statement on Thursday said, the operation, which is part of the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime domain, has seen the discovery and deactivation of numerous illegal refinery sites, as well as the seizure of large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).
According to him, some of the notable successes include the discovery of nine inter-linked illegal refinery sites and 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo State, as well as the seizure of a 30-meter wooden boat conveying approximately 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo State.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy also raided a militant camp in Bayelsa State, arresting two suspected kidnappers and seizing a range of weapons and equipment.
In addition to these successes, the Director said the Nigerian Navy has also discovered and deactivated several illegal refinery sites in Rivers State, including one with 8 cooking tanks, 8 metal storage tanks, and 2 reservoirs with large quantities of illegally refined AGO.
The operation has also seen the seizure of several wooden boats used to transport stolen crude oil, as well as the recovery of large quantities of illegally siphoned crude oil and illegally refined AGO.
“On Monday 27 January 2025, several Illegal Refinery Sites, 6 vandalized wellheads used for siphoning crude oil, 110 ovens, 45 reservoirs with large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO were deactivated and seized at Egbema West and Onne Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Additionally, some Illegal Refinery Sites with about 31,000 litres of illegally siphoned crude oil, and 15,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were also recovered in the same location.
“On Monday 27 January 2025, two Illegal Refinery Sites, with about 7,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,700 litres of illegally refined AGO were discovered and deactivated at Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.” Part of the statement stated.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating maritime crimes in Nigerian waters, and has praised the successes of Operation DELTA SANITY II.
He said the operation is a significant step forward in the fight against crude oil theft, and demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to protecting the country’s maritime domain.
The Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SANITY II is a major success in the fight against crude oil theft, and demonstrates the navy’s commitment to protecting the country’s maritime domain, Enugu Reporters gathered.
Reports say, with the continued efforts of the Nigerian Navy, it is hoped that the scourge of crude oil theft can be eradicated, and the country’s oil resources can be protected for the benefit of all Nigerians
