LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ

The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing battle against economic sabotage, deactivating an active illegal refining site in the Allison Community of Bonny local government area, Rivers State.

Disclosed on March 26 by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation under Operation DELTA SENTINEL led to the recovery of over 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. This success follows closely on the heels of another major interception just days prior, where 44,000 litres of illegally refined products were seized and eight suspects were apprehended, signaling an aggressive intensification of maritime security in the Niger Delta.

The operation was driven by actionable intelligence, leading the Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team from Forward Operating Base BONNY to a sophisticated illicit facility. Personnel discovered a network of dugout pits, locally fabricated cooking and cooling systems, and numerous sacks filled with suspected stolen products.

While the suspects managed to flee upon the arrival of the naval team, the deactivation of the site serves as a major blow to the infrastructure of local oil thieves. This mission is part of a broader directive by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to protect national economic interests and safeguard critical oil infrastructure.

These enforcement activities come at a pivotal time for Nigeria’s energy sector, as the Federal Government aims to reach a production goal of 2.5 million barrels per day. The persistent challenge of pipeline vandalism and illicit bunkering has historically crippled government earnings.

However, data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission – NUPRC suggests that these stepped-up naval operations are yielding results. Crude losses have plummeted from a staggering 37.6 million barrels in 2021 to approximately 4.1 million barrels in 2024, showing a clear downward trend in large-scale theft.

Despite this progress, the battle remains ongoing. Between January and July 2025, Nigeria still recorded losses of approximately 2.04 million barrels, averaging 9,600 barrels per day. The Nigerian Navy’s sustained presence across multiple hotspots, including the Degema and Ogbogoro axes, underscores a commitment to total eradication.

By dismantling over 800 illegal refineries and recovering roughly 171,000 barrels of stolen crude within the last two years, the Navy continues to play a central role in stabilizing the nation’s economy and deterring economic saboteurs in the coastal regions.