The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in fighting illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta. Over the past four months, their initiative, called Operation Delta Sanity, has successfully shut down 124 illegal oil refining sites and arrested 55 people suspected of oil theft.
Rear Admiral Samson Bura, who leads the Central Naval Command, shared these results during a news conference in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The operation also led to the deactivation of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits, and 64 storage tanks. Additionally, six vessels used for illegal activities were seized.
The Chief of Naval Staff has extended this operation for another 90 days, highlighting its importance. Admiral Bura stated that the Navy’s efforts have had a positive effect on Nigeria’s oil production, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reporting an increase from 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024 to 1.7 million barrels per day now.
He said: “The operation has been conducted leveraging technologies from the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, intelligence inputs and kinetic operations. Others are non-kinetic approaches ranging from medical, media, educational outreaches and community engagements amongst others.
“Since the extension in July 2024, a total of 55 suspects have been arrested while about 124 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated in accordance with extant regulations.
“Furthermore, a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized.
“These achievements have impacted positively on the Nation’s oil production. According to the NNPCL, the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day. This constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024.
“Based on the achievements and successes recorded so far, the Chief of the Naval Staff has graciously approved the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for another 90 days with effect from today, October 10, 24. These efforts will be sustained to ensure zero tolerance of crude oil theft in the nation’s maritime environment,” he said.
Operation Delta Sanity began on January 10, 2024, building on the successes of a previous operation, Dakatar Da Barawo. Admiral Bura thanked other security agencies, community leaders, and citizens for their continued support in the fight against oil theft and illegal refining in Nigeria’s waters.
