The Nigerian Navy (NN) has announced intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region through Operation Delta Sanity. Collaborating with naval units in Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo states, the operation has led to the apprehension of several suspected crude oil thieves during coordinated anti-crude oil operations.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Navy spokesperson, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, six suspects were apprehended over a three-day period. Notably, two of those arrested were identified as suspects in the killing of three soldiers during an attack on the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State, which occurred on June 11, 2024. These individuals were apprehended by personnel from the Naval Outpost ONITSHA during operations.

Commodore Adams-Aliu detailed a series of simultaneous operations conducted between April 20 and April 22, 2024, under Operation Delta Sanity. On April 20, 2025, the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH apprehended four suspected pipeline vandals with tools used for vandalising pipelines around the Renaissance Africa Energy Company pipeline at River-Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State.

Further operations on April 21, 2025, led the Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS to discover and deactivate two illegal refinery sites in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. These sites contained two refining ovens and 10 dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil. On the same day, the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH intercepted and impounded two vehicles carrying illegally refined products in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State.

On April 22, 2025, the Naval Outpost ONITSHA apprehended two suspects who were allegedly preparing to attack the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community. These suspects were found in possession of a locally made rifle and 10 machetes and are also implicated in the June 11, 2024, attack that resulted in the deaths of three soldiers.

Additionally, on April 22, 2025, the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA discovered and deactivated two illegal refinery sites in Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. These sites contained nine dugout pits, sacks, and drums filled with illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil.

The Nigerian Navy emphasized that these coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of six suspects, the deactivation of four illegal refinery sites and nine dugout pits, and the seizure of two vehicles. These actions underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to eliminating crude oil theft and other illicit activities within the maritime domain, in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.