Navy apprehends six suspected Oil thieves in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Navy has announced the arrest of six suspected crude oil thieves following a series of operations conducted between April 20 and April 22, under the Operation Delta Sanity initiative.

Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, shared the update in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja. According to Adams-Aliu, the Navy’s efforts have led to several significant breakthroughs in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

On Sunday, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH apprehended four individuals suspected of vandalizing pipelines near the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Pipeline at River-Kolo Creek in Bayelsa State. The operation highlighted the ongoing threat of pipeline vandalism in the region.

On Monday, the Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS uncovered and dismantled two illegal refinery sites in the Oteghele area of Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State. The sites were found to contain two refining ovens and 10 dugout pits, all filled with large quantities of stolen crude oil.

Additionally, NNS SOROH intercepted two vehicles in Olodo Community, Bayelsa, which were loaded with numerous sacks of illegally refined products, further demonstrating the scale of illegal operations in the area.

On Tuesday, the Naval Outpost ONITSHA apprehended suspects found in possession of a locally made rifle and 10 machetes. These individuals were reportedly in the process of attacking the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra. Investigation revealed that they were allegedly involved in the killing of three soldiers in an earlier attack on June 11, 2024.

That same day, NNS DELTA discovered and deactivated two more illegal refinery sites in Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West, Delta. These sites were equipped with nine dugout pits, numerous sacks, and drums filled with large quantities of stolen AGO (automotive gas oil) and crude oil.

Adams-Aliu emphasized that these coordinated operations over three days demonstrate the Navy’s unwavering commitment to eradicating oil theft and other criminal activities from the maritime domain.

The operations were executed in accordance with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, reinforcing the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the country’s resources.