In a sweeping three-day operation from April 20 to 22, 2025, the Nigerian Navy intensified its fight against crude oil theft, targeting illegal activities across Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Anambra States under Operation DELTA SANITY.
Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH apprehended four suspected pipeline vandals on Sunday, April 20, near the Renaissance Africa Energy Company pipeline in River-Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State. The suspects were found with tools allegedly used for pipeline sabotage.
On April 21, personnel from Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS uncovered and dismantled two illegal refinery sites in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State. The sites contained two refining ovens and ten crude oil-laden dugout pits.
That same day, NNS SOROH intercepted two vehicles in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State, loaded with sacks of illegally refined petroleum products.
On April 22, two suspects armed with a locally made rifle and ten machetes were arrested by the Naval Outpost in Onitsha. The suspects were reportedly attempting to attack an oil facility operated by SEEPCO in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. Preliminary investigations linked them to the June 11, 2024, killing of three soldiers in the area.
Also on April 22, NNS DELTA dismantled two additional illegal refinery sites in Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community, Delta State, seizing large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined diesel from nine dugout pits, sacks, and drums.
The coordinated operations led to the arrest of six suspects, the deactivation of four illegal refinery sites and nine dugout pits, and the seizure of two vehicles.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, the operations reflect the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and safeguarding national assets, in line with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
