Navy Arrests 259 Oil Thieves, Destroys 168 Illegal Refineries In One Year
The Nigerian Navy has arrested 259 suspects, destroyed 168 illegal refining sites and recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in its sustained crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The operations, conducted between November 2025 and November 2026, also resulted in the destruction of 363 dugout pits, the seizure of four vessels suspected to have been used for oil theft and nine convictions.
According to the Navy’s first-year scorecard obtained by PUNCH, the achievements were recorded under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The Navy said the operations had strengthened maritime security, protected Nigeria’s economic assets and sustained the country’s zero-piracy status.
It attributed the successes to intelligence-driven operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
As part of the intensified crackdown, the service activated Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to boost efforts against oil theft, illegal refining and other maritime offences.
The Navy also commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels — NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA — in June 2026 to improve maritime surveillance, operational reach and response capabilities.
Beyond its security operations, the service recorded significant infrastructural and institutional developments, with more than 36 projects executed and construction commenced on a 200-bed Reference Hospital to improve healthcare delivery for personnel.
It also completed over 93 community development projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects and other initiatives, covering potable water, education, healthcare and electricity.
To strengthen its capacity against emerging security threats, the Navy inducted 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, while training for a second batch was ongoing.
The service further participated in major multinational military exercises and operationalised the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to enhance regional cooperation and maritime security.
The Navy said the achievements reflected its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical national assets and supporting national development.
The operations, conducted between November 2025 and November 2026, also resulted in the destruction of 363 dugout pits, the seizure of four vessels suspected to have been used for oil theft and nine convictions.
According to the Navy’s first-year scorecard obtained by PUNCH, the achievements were recorded under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
The Navy said the operations had strengthened maritime security, protected Nigeria’s economic assets and sustained the country’s zero-piracy status.
It attributed the successes to intelligence-driven operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
As part of the intensified crackdown, the service activated Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to boost efforts against oil theft, illegal refining and other maritime offences.
The Navy also commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels — NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA — in June 2026 to improve maritime surveillance, operational reach and response capabilities.
Beyond its security operations, the service recorded significant infrastructural and institutional developments, with more than 36 projects executed and construction commenced on a 200-bed Reference Hospital to improve healthcare delivery for personnel.
It also completed over 93 community development projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects and other initiatives, covering potable water, education, healthcare and electricity.
To strengthen its capacity against emerging security threats, the Navy inducted 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, while training for a second batch was ongoing.
The service further participated in major multinational military exercises and operationalised the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to enhance regional cooperation and maritime security.
The Navy said the achievements reflected its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical national assets and supporting national development.
