The Nigerian Navy has announced the arrest of 215 suspected oil thieves and the seizure of 26 vessels so far in 2024 under its ongoing anti-crude oil theft initiative, Operation Delta Sanity.
The Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday as part of the activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 69th Anniversary celebrations.
Dewu revealed that a total of 468 illegal refinery sites have been dismantled in 2024, along with the seizure of approximately 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).
Additionally, he reported the destruction of 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks used in illicit refining activities.
According to Dewu, “Since January this year, more than 103 illegal refinery sites have been destroyed, and 34 suspects linked to crude oil theft have been arrested.”
He further added, “Also, 39 wooden boats and one ship involved in this menace were also seized.
“Additionally, approximately 773,000 litres of crude oil and 150,000 litres of refined products have been recovered this year.
“All these efforts have impacted positively on Nigeria’s crude oil production, in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft in order to ramp up Nigeria’s oil production and exports.”
Dewu stated that this year’s Navy Week celebration will be held from May 23 to June 1 and will serve as a platform to showcase the navy’s achievements and growth since its inception.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy has evolved from modest beginnings to a formidable maritime force, not only within West Africa but across the entire Gulf of Guinea and sub-Saharan Africa.
“The Nigerian Navy has continued to maintain round-the-clock situational awareness of Nigeria’s maritime domain extending to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone through our Maritime Domain Awareness Facilities.
“These facilities comprise the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Systems.
“Both systems enable early detection and swift response to incidents within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“This has ensured that Nigeria maintained its zero-piracy status in the International Maritime Bureau piracy rating.
“In furtherance to this, the Nigerian Navy has taken the initiative to ensure that the entire Gulf of Guinea is free of piracy and other maritime crimes,” he said.
(NAN)
