Manny Ita –
The Nigerian Navy has confiscated more than 457,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products while dismantling 22 illegal refining sites in the first quarter of 2026.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, targeted oil theft activities across key Niger Delta states, including Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, and Akwa Ibom State.
During the period:
A vessel, MV Amukpoye, carrying about 180 tons of diesel was seized.
Eight suspects linked to the vessel were arrested.
A total of 98 suspects were apprehended.
More than 98 illegal refining pits were destroyed.
Recovered products included:
204,650 litres of crude oil
Over 106,150 litres of diesel
More than 138,000 litres of petrol
8,000 litres of kerosene
700 litres of condensate
The Navy noted that the near-equal volume of crude and refined products indicates a well-organised illegal supply chain, where stolen crude is quickly processed into usable fuels for local distribution.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to eliminating crude oil theft, stressing that operations will continue to intensify.
This development is part of a broader crackdown, as security forces across Nigeria have recently increased efforts to dismantle illegal refineries and curb losses from oil theft in the Niger Delta.
