The Nigerian Navy, as part of Operation Delta Sanity to combat crude oil theft in the Nigerian Delta, has destroyed 14 illicit refinery sites, nine boats, and recovered thousands of stolen litres of crude and related products.
According to a Navy release, “In August alone, the Navy made several critical breakthroughs in its surveillance and interdiction efforts.”
“On August 9, a massive illicit refinery site, including five metal drums and several pipes, was destroyed in Bayelsa State’s Dumbe camp and Atuo general area.
“On August 12, the offensive continued with the demolition of another illegal refinery site in Ataba Community, Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.” “Further operations on August 14 led to the destruction of three illegal refinery sites, five refining ovens, three wooden boats and the recovery of substantial quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Brass, Bassambari and Nembe axis of the Creeks in Bayelsa State.”
On August 17, the Navy dismantled four wooden boats, including a speed boat used to smuggle stolen goods along Odioma/Botokiri Creek in Bayelsa State, as well as another illicit refinery site along the Ekwoke, Sobiekiri, and Ataba areas of the Bonny Channel in Rivers State.
“On the same day, a massive illegal refinery with a capacity of two million litres per day was destroyed along Rivers State’s Ogoloma-Bakana waterways.” “On August 19, the crackdown proceeded with the destruction of an illegal refinery plant in the Awoye Riverine community of Illaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, which included storage tanks, a pumping mechanism, and a wooden boat loaded with stolen crude oil.
“On August 21, the Navy’s campaign culminated in the demolition of another illegal refinery site, two wooden boats, five dug-out pits, and numerous drums containing stolen crude oil in Otumara Creek, Warri, Delta State.”
“The Trans Niger and Trans Escravos Pipelines maintained a 100 percent terminal factor, demonstrating the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SANITY.”
“National crude oil production stood at 1.658 million barrels per day on August 14, 2024, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to eradicating crude oil theft in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive and will continue to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment to enhance national crude oil production.”
Bottom Line
Crude oil theft has long been a significant drain on Nigeria’s economy, leading to substantial losses in revenue that could otherwise be invested in national development. By dismantling illegal refineries and recovering stolen oil, the Navy is directly addressing these economic losses, ensuring that more of the nation’s resources remain within its borders to support growth and development.
