Delta del Niger: the Navy recovers over 411,000 liters of crude oil in July

Delta del Niger: the Navy recovers over 411,000 liters of crude oil in July

… as 71 illegal refinery sites deactivated

By our journalist

According to reports, the Nigerian navy under operation Delta Sanity has acted on the theft of crude oil and other maritime crimes in the Niger delta region, recording significant operational milestones in July 2025. Over 411,400 liters of Roiery oil are recovered, 87,825 liters of Fac.

This was contained in an official declaration issued by the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu on Thursday 7 August, entitled: Update on the operation of the Nigerian Navy Delta Sanity throughout the Niger Delta region for the month of July 2025.

According to the declaration, the Navy deactivated 71 illegal refinery sites, dismantled 120 shelter wells and has recovered large volumes of oil products stolen through Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom. These results underline the unwavering commitment of the Navy to guarantee the maritime domination of the country and fight the theft of crude oil.

The declaration said: “On 4 July, six illegal refinery sites with 40 shelter wells were deactivated around Oga, Egbema and Ndoni in the state of the rivers, containing about 66,000 liters of crude oil and 40,000 liters of illegally refined automotive oil (FA).

“On July 14, the operations in the state of Akwa Ibom led to the arrest of six suspicious smugglers who transported over 5,000 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) in wooden boats, presumably destined to smuggle in Cameroon”.

In the south -west of Warri, in the state of the delta, several operations between 14 and 28 July led to the deactivation of dozens of illegal refinery sites and the seizure of large volumes of stolen and refined products. In particular, in the Oteghele community a site has been discovered with over 20,000 liters of crude oil stored in tanks and underground basins.

While in Bayelsa’s state, the coordinated incursions on 22 and 23 July in Biseni and Akassa discovered and destroyed illegal sites with over 450,000 liters of stolen crude oil, together with refined products and large sifonation infrastructures.

Overall, over 411,400 liters of Greggio oil, 87,825 liters of FA, 72,000 liters of chestnuts for double purposes (DPK) and 21,900 liters of PM were recovered, preventing them from entering the black market.

However, the Navy observed that these successes align with the strategic directive of the head of the naval staff, the deputy admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to eliminate the theft of oil and maritime crime, thus increasing the production of national oil.

The recent increase in Nigerian oil production – now greater than 1.8 million barrels per day, as confirmed by the commission for the regulation of oil in Monte Nigerian (NUPRC) – has been attributed, in part, to these intensified naval operations.

In the meantime, the Navy has reiterated its commitment to national security and economic stability, swearing to support the rhythm of the Delta Sanity operation to discourage the criminal networks operating in the inlets and covie of the Niger delta.

“We remain resolved in the protection of Nigeria’s resources and maritime infrastructures. These operations send a clear message to the oil thieves: there is no hiding place,” said Commodore Adams-Aliu.

Basic journalists report that the Navy has also invited residents in coastal communities to support the current efforts by reporting suspicious activities and collaborating with safety agencies.