Navy steps up crackdown on oil theft and recovers over 531,000 liters in 3 months

The Nigerian Navy has reported major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crude oil theft and maritime crimes, announcing the recovery of over 531,500 liters of illegally refined petroleum products and the arrest of 18 suspects by the first quarter of 2026.

This was made known in a statement by Navy spokesperson Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who underlined that the results were recorded during more than 183 operations conducted in key operational areas as part of Operation Delta Sentinel

Launched on January 13, 2026, the operation was designed to improve maritime security and curb oil theft in the Niger Delta. It replaced the previous Delta Sanity operation and features improved surveillance systems, stronger intelligence coordination and a structured quarterly review framework, with an initial mandate of one year.

According to the Navy, February recorded the highest volume of recovered products at 360,700 liters, followed by 118,800 liters in January and 52,000 liters in March, reflecting sustained pressure on illicit oil activities.

The statement also outlines several important operational advances that occurred during the period. These include the seizure of 45,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in Rivers State between January 20 and 23, the interception of an 18 tonne barge in February and the discovery of a 96,000 liter illegal well in Bayelsa State. Operators also recovered 34,000 liters of petroleum products in separate operations in March.

Operations have intensified in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states, with targeted raids in areas such as Warri South-West, Oteghele Creek, Ogbe-Ijoh, Alakiri River and the Ogbia/Egbema/Ndoni axis resulting in significant recoveries. Among them, about 45,000 liters of crude oil was recovered in Alakiri River, while 44,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil was intercepted in Ogbologo, in addition to the arrest of eight suspects.

Additional operations have produced recoveries ranging from 4,000 to over 21,000 liters per location. Security forces also discovered and dismantled illegal wells, storage tanks and pipeline connections used to transfer crude oil.

In total, the Navy reported the destruction of at least 22 illegal refining sites, four storage facilities, three ships or boats, and two illegal well or pipeline connections.

The service noted that there has been a gradual decline in the estimated market value of seized products, suggesting that prolonged enforcement efforts are weakening the profitability of illicit oil operations.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Navy said it will continue to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain, protect critical national resources and support increased oil production in line with national economic objectives. It also pledged to support intelligence-based operations and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to further dismantle oil theft networks.