Oil Theft: Navy Arrests 259 Suspects, Recovers 7.48m Litres Of Stolen Products

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 259 suspects and destroyed 168 illegal refineries in its intensified crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities between November 2025 and November 2026.

The Navy also recovered more than 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, impounded four vessels suspected of involvement in oil theft and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The achievements were contained in the Navy’s first-year scorecard obtained by our correspondent on Friday, covering the first year of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of the Naval Staff.

According to the report, the service also destroyed 363 illegal dugout pits and sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status through intelligence-driven operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

The scorecard stated, “Between November 2025 and November 2026, the Service sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status and recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

“It also deactivated 168 illegal refining sites, destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and impounded four vessels suspected of involvement in crude oil theft, and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”

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The Navy attributed the operational achievements to intensified maritime security operations and improved intelligence gathering aimed at protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources and critical national assets.

As part of the efforts, the service activated Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to strengthen the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime offences.

It also commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels — NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA — in June 2026 to improve maritime surveillance, operational coverage and response capabilities.

Beyond its security operations, the Navy said it recorded significant progress in infrastructure development, with more than 36 projects undertaken during the period.

It also commenced the construction of a 200-bed Reference Hospital to improve healthcare delivery and the welfare of naval personnel.

The service further disclosed that it executed more than 93 community development projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects and other initiatives.

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The projects covered the provision of potable water, educational facilities, healthcare services and electricity to beneficiary communities.

In another development, the Navy inducted 328 Nigerian Navy Marines to strengthen its capacity to tackle asymmetric threats, while training for a second batch was ongoing.

The service also participated in major multinational military exercises and operationalised the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen collective maritime security.

The Navy said the achievements reflected its commitment to maritime security, protection of national assets and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.

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