Navy Destroys 124 Illegal Refining Sites, Arrests 55 Oil Thieves In Nine Months

The Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity on Thursday said its troops destroyed 124 illegal refining sites and arrested 55 suspected oil thieves in the past nine months in the Niger Delta.

The Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Adm. Samson Bura disclosed this at a briefing in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Bura said the operation arrested six vessels and destroyed 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks.

He stated that several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized, adding that the operations were done in accordance with extant regulations.

According to him, the achievement had impacted positively on the nation’s oil production, recording a production of 1.7 million barrels per day.

He added that the feat constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.

He said that the operation of the Navy 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.

“Based on the achievements and successes recorded so far, the Chief of Naval Staff has graciously approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for another 90 days with effect from October 10, 2024.

“These efforts will be sustained to ensure zero tolerance of crude oil theft in the nation’s maritime environment,” he said.

He further appreciated other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders and youths as well as members of the press and other well-meaning Nigerians for their continuous support in the fight against oil theft.