Naval Units operating under the auspices of Nigerian Navy’s Operation DELTA SANITY, in Bayelsa, Delta and Imo States made huge successes in a series of simultaneous operations clamping down on crude oil thieves.
The Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu disclosed this in a statement adding that during,a 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..
Giving details, the director said that the operations led to Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH on Sunday April 20,2025 apprehending 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.
Same 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.
According to him, investigation revealed that these suspects were allegedly involved in the attack and killing of 3 Soldiers on 11 June 2024.
He said that 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.
The director said the 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.