LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian Navy has reported significant progress in its efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region during March 2025.
Through intensified operations under “Operation Delta Sanity II,” the Navy claims to have deactivated numerous illegal refinery sites and seized thousands of liters of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to a statement from the Navy, a major illegal refinery site was discovered and dismantled in Obodo Omadino, Warri, Delta State, on March 7. Subsequent operations led to the interception of a wooden boat carrying 40,000 liters of crude oil in Rivers State, and the arrest of a vessel, MFT Olokun VIII, in Bayelsa State, allegedly carrying illegal arms and ammunition.
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Throughout the month, the Navy uncovered and deactivated multiple sites involved in oil bunkering, including ovens, dugout pits, and thousands of liters of stolen crude. A vandalized wellhead and several illegal refinery sites were also discovered in Ohaji/Egbema, Rivers State.
The Navy’s operations extended to other coastal areas, where additional boats used for oil theft were impounded.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic stability and enhancing crude oil production.
Oil theft and illegal refining have been major problems in the Niger Delta for years, costing Nigeria billions of dollars in lost revenue and causing significant environmental damage. While the Nigerian Navy claims success in its crackdown, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will have a lasting impact on the problem
