Navy Destroys 124 Illegal Refining Sites, Arrests Oil Thieves In Niger Delta

The Nigerian Navy reports that its Operation Delta Sanity has produced positive outcomes in the Niger Delta region, resulting in the deactivation of 124 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 55 suspected oil thieves and illegal refinery operators over the past four months.

The Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, told newsmen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital on Thursday, stated that 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were also deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested in last four months.

He however said the operation had been extended for the next 90 days on the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff.

Rear Admiral Bura added that several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized, explaining that the operations were done in accordance with extant regulations.

He said the achievements by the Nigerian Navy to stop illegal refining of crude oil and oil theft had impacted positively on the nation’s oil production, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) confirmed that the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day, constituting a significant increase from about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.

He recalled that Operation DELTA SANITY was activated on January 10, 2024 with a view to building on the gains recorded during Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO, to help in checkmating the menace of crude oil theft and other illegalities within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

He said: “The operation has been conducted leveraging technologies from the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, intelligence inputs and kinetic operations. Others are non-kinetic approaches ranging from medical, media, educational outreaches and community engagements amongst others.

“Since the extension in July 2024, a total of 55 suspects have been arrested while about 124 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated in accordance with extant regulations.

“Furthermore, a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.

“These achievements have impacted positively on the Nation’s oil production. According to the NNPCL, the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day. This constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.

“Based on the achievements and successes recorded so far, the Chief of the Naval Staff has graciously approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for another 90 days with effect from today, October 10, 24. These efforts will be sustained to ensure zero tolerance of crude oil theft in the nation’s maritime environment,” he said.

He also appreciated other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders and youths and other well-meaning Nigerians for their continuous support and collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft.