The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism with the discovery and deactivation of three illegal refining sites in Oteghele, a community in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos carried out the operation on March 24 as part of Operation Delta Sanity II, an ongoing campaign to curb oil-related crimes in the Niger Delta.
Speaking with journalists in Warri on Thursday, the commanding officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, said the raid was based on credible intelligence gathered through surveillance and community engagement.
“The operation led to the seizure of about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). These were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks,” Okoloagu revealed.
He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to eliminate crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining operations. We will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations to dismantle these unlawful sites and ensure perpetrators face justice,” Okoloagu stated.
Ongoing Battle Against Oil Theft
The latest operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s relentless efforts to protect the country’s oil and gas assets. Illegal refining activities have long been a major challenge in the Niger Delta, leading to environmental degradation, economic losses, and security threats.
Over the past months, the Navy has ramped up efforts through Operation Delta Sanity II, a strategic initiative aimed at curbing oil theft and safeguarding national resources.
Multiple raids have been conducted across various states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta, leading to the destruction of several illegal refining camps.
According to security analysts, these illegal refineries contribute to significant revenue losses for the Nigerian government.
The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) estimated that the country loses billions of dollars annually due to crude oil theft and sabotage.
“The Nigerian economy heavily relies on crude oil exports, and these illegal activities threaten national revenue. The government’s commitment to eradicating oil theft is crucial to boosting production and sustaining economic stability,” said energy analyst Dr. Samuel Okechukwu.
Environmental and Security Concerns
Beyond economic implications, illegal refineries pose severe environmental and security risks. The process of crude oil refining in these makeshift sites leads to widespread pollution, destroying farmlands, contaminating water sources, and endangering wildlife.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the devastating impact of crude oil spills and gas flaring associated with illegal refining.
“These illegal refineries discharge toxic waste into rivers and streams, affecting both aquatic life and local communities. The government must not only dismantle these sites but also invest in environmental restoration projects,” said environmental activist, Mrs. Chinyere Amadi.
In addition to environmental hazards, the presence of illegal refining camps contributes to the rise in criminal activities, including armed militancy and violent clashes between rival groups seeking control over oil-rich territories.
Security agencies have linked some of these operations to organized crime networks that exploit the region’s resources for illicit financial gains.
Call for Community Involvement
To sustain the fight against oil theft, Navy Captain Okoloagu called on local communities to collaborate with security agencies by providing useful information on criminal activities.
“The Nigerian Navy cannot fight this battle alone. We need the cooperation of host communities, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
The people of the Niger Delta must join hands with us to protect their environment and future generations,” he said.
Local leaders and civil society organizations have also emphasized the need for alternative livelihood programs to discourage involvement in illegal refining.
Some have called for increased investments in job creation, skills training, and legal artisanal refining initiatives to provide sustainable economic opportunities for youths in oil-producing areas.
Government’s Commitment to Ending Oil Theft
The federal government has pledged continued support for security operations aimed at tackling oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritized strengthening maritime security and enhancing surveillance technology to track and dismantle illegal refining networks.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has been working with security agencies to secure oil infrastructure and deploy advanced monitoring systems to detect and prevent pipeline breaches.
As the Nigerian Navy intensifies its crackdown, it remains to be seen how long-term measures, including policy reforms and community engagement, will help bring an end to crude oil theft and ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
For now, the latest operation in Delta State serves as another reminder of the Navy’s unyielding resolve to protect Nigeria’s oil assets and combat criminal activities in the maritime domain.
