Nigerian Navy Units Clamp Down on Crude Oil Thieves
In its resolve to rid the maritime domain of crude oil thieves and other nefarious elements the Nigerian Navy has claimed down on oil thieves in a coordinated operations.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adamu-Aliu on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and made available to Core Reporters.
The statement said, “In a series of simultaneous operations conducted from 20 – 22 April 2025, under the auspices of Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SANITY, naval units in Bayelsa, Delta and Imo States clamped down on crude oil thieves as detailed below:
“On Sunday 20 April 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH apprehended 4 suspected pipeline vandals with tools used for vandalising pipelines around Renaissance Africa Energy Coy Pipeline at River-Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State.
“On Monday 21 April 2025, Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS discovered and deactivated 2 illegal refinery sites with 2 refining ovens and 10 dugout pits laden with large amounts of stolen crude oil in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State.
“Also, nn Monday 21 April 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH intercepted and impounded 2 vehicles laden with several sacks of illegally refined products in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State.
“On Tuesday 22 April 2025, Naval Outpost ONITSHA apprehended 2 suspects with a locally made rifle and 10 machetes. The suspects were in the process of attacking SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. Investigation revealed that these suspects were allegedly involved in the attack and killing of 3 Soldiers on 11 June 2024.
“On Tuesday 22 April 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA discovered and deactivated 2 illegal refinery sites with 9 dugout pits, several sacks and drums laden with large amounts of illegally refined AGO and stolen Crude Oil in Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community, Warri SouthWest LGA, Delta State.
“In the 3-day co-ordinated anti-crude oil theft operations, a total of 6 suspects were arrested while 4 Illegal Refinery Sites and 9 dug out pits were deactivated and 2 vehicles were seized,” the statement stated.
Core Reporters report that these operations underscore Nigerian Navy’s resolve to rid the maritime domain of crude oil thieves and other nefarious elements as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
