The Nigerian Navy said it arrested 55 suspected crude oil thieves and deactivated 124 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region in the past four months.
Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rer Admiral Samson Bura, told journalists on Thursday in Yenagoa that the activities of its Operation Delta Sanity yielded positive results while announcing a 90-day extension of the operation.
Bura disclosed that a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were also deactivated, while six vessels were arrested within the period of the operation before the directive by the Chief of Naval Staff to further extend it.
He added that several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized, explaining that the operations were done in accordance with existing regulations.
According to him, the fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining has impacted positively on Nigeria’s oil production, which increased to 1.7 million barrels per day compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.
Bura recalled that Operation Delta Sanity was launched on January 10 this year with a view to building on the gains recorded during Operation Dakatar Da Bara to help in checkmating the menace of crude oil theft and other criminal activities within the maritime environment.
He said, “The operation has been conducted leveraging technologies from the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, intelligence inputs and kinetic operations. Others are non-kinetic approaches ranging from medical, media, educational outreaches and community engagements amongst others.
“Since the extension in July 2024, a total of 55 suspects have been arrested, while about 124 illegal refinery sites were deactivated in accordance with extant regulations.
“Furthermore, a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were deactivated while six vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.
“These achievements have impacted positively on the nation’s oil production. According to the NNPCL, the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day. This constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.
“Based on the achievements and successes recorded so far, the Chief of the Naval Staff has graciously approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for another 90 days with effect from today, 10 October 24. These efforts will be sustained to ensure zero tolerance of crude oil theft in the nation’s maritime environment.”
Bura also expressed appreciation to other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders and youths, as well as members of the press and other well-meaning Nigerians, for their continuous support and collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft.
