The Nigerian Navy has announced significant achievements in its fight against oil theft and maritime crimes in 2024. Under Operation Delta Sanity, the Navy apprehended 215 suspected oil thieves and seized 26 vessels, deactivated 468 illegal refinery sites, and confiscated over 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans, disclosed these during a press briefing ahead of the Navy’s 69th Anniversary celebrations.
In addition to dismantling 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks, the Navy also destroyed over 103 illegal refinery sites and arrested 34 individuals since January. Assets recovered included 773,000 litres of crude oil and 150,000 litres of refined products. These efforts, Dewu said, have contributed significantly to boosting Nigeria’s oil production in line with presidential directives to curb oil theft.
As part of the anniversary activities set from May 23 to June 1, Dewu highlighted the Navy’s transformation into a regional maritime force, bolstered by advanced surveillance systems like Falcon Eye and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Systems. These technologies have helped maintain Nigeria’s zero-piracy status and extend maritime security operations across the Gulf of Guinea, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to national and regional maritime safety.
