The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in its ongoing fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY. Between Thursday, August 29, and Monday, September 2, 2024, naval units conducted multiple successful operations, leading to the arrest of suspected oil thieves, the seizure of stolen crude oil, and the destruction of illegal refining sites.
On August 29, Navy operatives intercepted seven large Cotonou boats and two fiber boats operated by heavily armed oil thieves who were in the process of loading crude oil from an illegal loading point in the Botokiri axis of Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The successful operation resulted in the seizure of the vessels, effectively disrupting the illegal activities in the area.
Further successes were recorded on August 31, when six suspected crude oil thieves were arrested along the Ogboinbiri-Kasama-Azama-Isoni axis in Bayelsa State. The suspects were found in possession of 109 sacks of illegally refined petroleum products, four fiber boats, and two wooden boats, all of which were seized by the Navy.
The operations continued on September 1, with Navy units seizing two wooden boats and 328 sacks of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) at Otuogori community river bank in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The following day, September 2, another operation led to the seizure of 35 sacks of illegally refined AGO in a wooden boat at the Gbaraun area of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
These operations highlight the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SANITY and demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in Nigeria’s maritime environment. The Navy’s efforts are crucial in ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s oil resources and enhancing crude oil production in the region.
The Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, emphasized the Navy’s resolve to continue its aggressive stance against oil theft and illegal refining. He urged the general public to support the Navy’s efforts by reporting any suspicious activities in the maritime domain.
The Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the nation’s oil assets and contribute to the stability and security of the Niger Delta region.