In a bold demonstration of its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crude oil theft under the recently launched Operation DELTA SANITY II.
The operation, flagged off by the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., on December 30, 2024, in Rivers State, has already yielded remarkable results in its first week.
On January 6, 2025, NN personnel uncovered an illegal refining site in the Igbomotoru area. Large quantities of stolen crude oil were seized during the operation, and the illicit activities were dismantled in compliance with existing regulations. 
A day later, on January 7, 2025, NN operatives intercepted a large wooden boat siphoning crude oil from the Enang C Platform in the Iko area. The vessel contained:
Two 10,000-litre capacity GP tanks holding an estimated 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Twelve additional 10,000-litre GP tanks.
Three service tanks, four submersible pumps, and three outboard engines.
On the same day, personnel from the Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda discovered and dismantled nine interlinked illegal refinery site camps in the Obe-Nla riverine community of Ilaje Local Government Area. The camps included five active reservoirs and yielded approximately:
20,000 litres of crude oil.
1,400 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil.
Several pumping machines and locally fabricated boats. 
These achievements reinforce the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to eradicate crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, emphasized the Navy’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s waters.
He reiterated plans to introduce armed attack drones to bolster efforts against oil thieves and warned perpetrators to desist from illegal activities.
The Nigerian Navy urged the public to remain vigilant and support its initiatives to safeguard the country’s maritime resources.
The fight against crude oil theft is crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability, and the Navy’s swift actions under Operation DELTA SANITY II reflect a strong resolve to address the menace.
LV