The Nigerian Navy has announced significant successes in its fight against illegal bunkering and oil theft, disclosing that its troops denied criminals 411,400 litres of crude oil and thousands of litres of other petroleum products in July 2025 alone.
In a statement released, Sunday, by the Director of Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Navy also reported the deactivation of 120 dug-out pits and numerous illegal refinery sites under its ongoing “Operation Delta Sanity.”
Adams-Aliu stated that the force’s successes since the relaunch of the operation in December 2024 underscore its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain.
The statement detailed several operations across the Niger Delta, including: “The discovery and deactivation of six illegal refinery sites in Rivers State on July 4, which comprised 40 dug-out pits containing approximately 66,000 litres of crude oil.
“The seizure of over 200,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined products during raids on two illegal refinery sites in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on July 22.
“The arrest of three suspected smugglers in Akwa Ibom State on July 14, who were attempting to smuggle 2,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the Republic of Cameroon.”
According to Commodore Adams-Aliu, these efforts have direct impact on the nation’s economy.
He noted that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently confirmed that Nigeria’s oil production has exceeded 1.8 million barrels per day.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its resolve to eradicate crude oil theft and deter illicit activities to ensure maritime safety and national security.