The Nigerian Navy has recently taken significant strides in combating the persistent Crude Oil Theft (COT) issue in Nigeria’s maritime domain. With the launch of Operation DELTA SANITY II on Monday, December 30, 2024, by the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
According to the Nigerian Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, who disclosed to newsmen on Thursday, January 9, the Navy has intensified its efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s waters and protect its vital oil resources since the start of Operation DELTA SANITY II.
Key Achievements in Early January 2025
Just a week into the operation, the Nigerian Navy has made substantial progress with several notable arrests and seizures:
Discovery of Illegal Refining Site: On January 6, 2025, operatives found an illegal refining site near Igbomotoru, Bayelsa State. The site was seized along with a significant quantity of stolen crude oil. This discovery underscores the ongoing challenge posed by illegal refining activities that threaten both environmental safety and national revenue.
Interception of Siphoning Vessel: On January 7, the following day, personnel intercepted a large wooden boat siphoning crude oil from Enang C Platform in Akwa Ibom State. The vessel was loaded with two large tanks containing approximately 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil alongside various pumping and storage equipment, a stark reminder of how organized these illicit operations can be.
Destruction of Illegal Refinery Camps: In another operation on January 7 at Forward Operating Base Igbokoda within Ondo State’s Ilaje Local Government Area, NN personnel discovered multiple illegal refinery sites. This extensive operation led to the dismantling of nine interlinked camps and recovering around 20,000 litres of crude oil and additional quantities meant for unauthorized fuel production.
Commitment to Maritime Security
These operations highlight not only immediate successes but also reflect the broader commitment by Nigeria’s military forces to eradicate maritime crimes that have long plagued its economy and environmental health. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla emphasized that this campaign will continue vigorously as part of an overarching strategy to maintain security within Nigerian waters.
The Chief Naval Staff has further warned those engaged in these criminal activities to cease their operations immediately; future measures will include introducing armed attack drones designed specifically for thwarting such illicit activities.
Importance for National Development
Crude oil theft is not just a crime against regulatory laws it represents a severe economic threat impacting national development through lost revenue and increased harm to local communities due to environmental degradation caused by unsafe refining practices. By intensifying anti-COT measures through dedicated operations like DELTA SANITY II, authorities aim not only to reclaim stolen resources but also to restore public confidence in governance systems tasked with managing natural resource wealth effectively.
As this battle continues against syndicates involved in COT across Nigeria’s waterways an issue compounded by complex socio-economic dynamics the support from local communities remains crucial. Public awareness campaigns highlighting legal repercussions associated with participating or turning a blind eye toward these activities are essential components moving forward. While Operation DELTA SANITY II marks an important milestone the fight against crude oil theft is far from over; vigilance among citizens combined with decisive action from military forces could pave new pathways toward securing Nigeria’s extensive maritime wealth for generations yet unborn.
As Operation DELTA SANITY II unfolds with such promising results early in the year, it is clear that Nigeria’s fight against crude oil theft is gaining momentum. The Nigerian Navy remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding national interests within its maritime domain while urging all stakeholders and citizens to support these initiatives aimed at promoting security and economic stability.
