Challenged by the recalcitrant crude oil thieves in the Niger Delta and the need to ensure their activities are curbed, the Nigerian Navy has continued to sustain the fight to obliterate their activities and make the Maritime sector more viable.

As a result, it was learnt that the Nigerian Navy has sustained the gains so far made by the Operation DELTA SANITY, an operation launched in January 2024 by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to tackle the menace of Crude Oil theft in view of ramping up oil production.

The Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu said in Abuja on Friday that the operation involved the deployment of more Nigerian Navy personnel, platforms, helicopters and Unmanned Areal Vehicles (UAVs) on aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations across the Niger Delta.

He further revealed that on the month of August alone, the Nigerian Navy has recorded huge successes against the criminals.

He further disclosed that on the 9th August, 2024, navy team destroyed one Illegal Refinery Site, which included five Metal Drums and several pipes at Dumbe camp and Atuo general area of Bayelsa State.

Also on the 12th August, 2024, there was a destruction of one Illegal Refinery Site at Ataba Community, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers state; whole on the 14th August, 2024, witnessed a destruction of three Illegal Refinery Sites, five refining
ovens, three wooden Boats and recovery of large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Brass, Bassambari and Nembe axis of the Creeks in Bayelsa State.

However, “on the 17th August, 2024, they destroyed four wooden boats and one speed boat being used to smuggle stolen products along Odioma/ Botokiri Creek, Bayelsa State.

On the 17th August, 2024, a destruction of one Illegal Refinery Site, two cooking pots, several storage tanks, dug out pits and seizure of large quantities of refined products along Ekwoke, Sobiekiri and Ataba area of Bonny channel, Rivers State took place.

Others include, on 17th August, 2024, there was a destruction of a massive Illegal Refinery Site with a two million litres per day capacity along Ogoloma – Bakana water-ways in Rivers State while on the 19th August, 2024, the destruction of one Illegal Refinery Site with storage tanks, a pumping machine and a wooden boat laden with stolen Crude Oil in Awoye Riverine community, Illaje Local Government Area, Ondo State was witnessed.

“On 21st August 2024, saw the destruction of one Illegal Refinery Site, two wooden boats, five dug-out pits and numerous drums containing stolen crude oil in Otumara Creek, Warri, Delta State.”

In a related development, the Trans Niger and Trans ESCRAVOS Pipelines have continued to sustain the recorded 100 per cent terminal factor.

Consequently, according to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as at 14th August, 2024, national crude oil production recorded was 1.658 million barrels per day.

This, according to the DINFO underscores the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SANITY.

Nevertheless, Cdre Adams-Aliu reiterated, the Nigerian Navy will continue to sustain current efforts to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of the menace and enhance crude oil in line with the President and Commander-In-Chief’s directive to eradicate Crude Oil Theft.