DELTA SANITY : Navy Highlights Major Operational Report For July 2025, Intensifies Crackdown On Illegal Oil Refining

 

The Nigerian Navy has reported significant achievements in its ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY across the Niger Delta region for July 2025.

 

According to a statement by Commodore Adams-Aliu, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy , said since the operation was relaunched in December 2024, the Navy has continued to intensify efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, reinforcing its commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Highlighting major raids and seizures, the commodore disclosed that throughout July, the Navy discovered and deactivated over 71 illegal refinery sites with about 120 dugout pits, uncovering large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined products. Key operations included:

He noted that on July 4: Six illegal refinery sites dismantled around Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni communities in Rivers State, yielding approximately 66,000 litres of suspected crude oil and 40,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Adams said on July 12: Deactivation of an illegal refinery in Otegele, Delta State, containing roughly 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil.

He stressed that July 14: Arrest of three suspected smugglers in Akwa Ibom with 2,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) believed intended for smuggling into Cameroon; discovery of underground reservoirs and pits containing an estimated 7,000 litres of crude oil in Warri South West, Delta State; and another seizure of 2,500 litres of PMS and arrest of three suspects in Akwa Ibom.

Apparently, the spokesman added that on July 16: Seizure of underground storage with 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Warri South West, adding that July 19: Shutdown of a refinery site with 4,200 litres of crude oil in Delta State.

The naval official pointed out that on July 21:the troops discovered multiple pits and pumping equipment containing about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Warri South West.

The statement affirmed “July 22-23: Two illegal refinery sites deactivated in Bayelsa’s Biseni Community with over 200,000 litres of crude oil, alongside massive operations that found over 250,000 litres of stolen crude oil, ovens, and storage pits; additional refinery sites deactivated in Bayelsa and Delta states with large quantities of crude oil and refined products seized.

“July 25-28: Multiple digs and illegal sites deactivated in Delta communities, including Bennet Island and Oteghele, with tens of thousands of litres of crude oil and refined fuels seized.

Highlighting the overall impact, Adams added that : “In total, the Navy prevented the theft and illegal processing of approximately 411,400 litres of crude oil, 87,825 litres of illegally refined AGO, 72,000 litres of Diesel Petrol Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of PMS throughout the month.

“These operations demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s resilience and steadfastness under the command of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. The Navy continues to work closely with relevant authorities, contributing to national efforts to eradicate crude oil theft and improve oil production. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission recently confirmed that Nigeria’s oil production has now surpassed 1.8 million barrels per day.

“The Nigerian Navy urges the public to remain vigilant and supportive of its mission to safeguard the nation’s maritime resources and maintain security in the Niger Delta and beyond.”