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The Nigerian Navy says it has intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, leading to the recovery of about 531,500 liters of illegally refined petroleum products in the first quarter of 2026.
The campaign against crude oil theft, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, also led to the dismantling of 12 illegal refining sites across the region during the reporting period.
Naval authorities revealed that officers also destroyed four illegal storage facilities, three wooden boats, as well as two illegal wells and pipeline connections allegedly used for crude oil theft operations.
Operational records showed that several raids were conducted in coves and coastal communities identified as hotspots of illegal refining and other acts of economic sabotage.
During the operations, security personnel reportedly intercepted large volumes of illegally refined automotive diesel fuel (AGO), crude oil and other petroleum products, while refining equipment and related infrastructure were destroyed.
According to data from January to March 2026, the Navy recovered a total of 531,500 gallons of stolen and illegally refined petroleum products.
The analysis of recoveries shows that in January 118,800 liters were seized, while February recorded the highest volume with 360,700 litres. In March, operators recovered another 52,000 litres.
The report also states that the Navy carried out 183 successful operations in the quarter, leading to the arrest of 18 suspects linked to crude oil theft and other maritime-related crimes.
Major interceptions recorded include the recovery of 45,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State between January 20 and 23, the seizure of an 18-ton barge in February, and the destruction of an illegal well containing about 96,000 liters in Bayelsa State.
The Navy also revealed that separate operations conducted in May, outside the first quarter reporting period, resulted in the recovery of an additional 85,000 liters of crude oil and 78,000 liters of AGO.
Comparative operational data reportedly showed a slight increase in recoveries of petroleum products in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The data also suggests that crude oil thefts decreased by 58% in the first quarter of 2025, from approximately 12,000 barrels per day to approximately 5,000 barrels per day.
Speaking on the operations, the Nigerian Navy Director of Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said suspects arrested during the raids will be prosecuted in line with existing laws.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to support the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, describing these activities as a grave threat to Nigeria’s economy and environment.
Folorunsho warned those involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining to desist from the activities or risk legal consequences.
