In a major breakthrough against crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has uncovered 50,000 litres of stolen crude oil at illegal bunkering sites in a riverine community in Ondo State. The discovery was made during an operation carried out by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, as part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts under Operation Delta Sanity II.
Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives launched a swift raid on the suspected bunkering sites. According to Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, Commanding Officer of the FOB, the operation revealed large quantities of stolen crude oil stored in makeshift tanks and locally fabricated boats. The illicit refining sites were promptly deactivated, and geo-tagged evidence was forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
The operation also led to the seizure of additional equipment used for illegal refining, including pumping machines and outboard engines. Captain Usman reiterated the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy toward economic sabotage and warned perpetrators to desist from such activities or face the full wrath of the law.
This latest success comes on the heels of similar operations across Nigeria’s Niger Delta region aimed at curbing oil theft and protecting critical national assets. Earlier this year, the Navy intercepted a wooden boat carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the same Ondo community and deactivated nine illegal refinery sites containing 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil in January.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to eradicating maritime crimes and supporting Nigeria’s goal of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day by the end of 2025. He noted that such operations are critical to restoring investor confidence and ensuring economic stability.
Oil theft remains a significant challenge for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with billions lost annually to illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism. However, with intensified efforts under Operation Delta Sanity II, the Nigerian Navy continues to demonstrate its resolve to safeguard the nation’s maritime resources.
