The Nigerian Navy says it deactivated 22 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 457,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products between January and March 2026.
The disclosure was made on Saturday, April 18, through the Navy’s official X platform, where it outlined activities carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel during the first quarter of the year.
The operation, which targets crude oil theft and related maritime crimes, covered major oil producing states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
According to the Navy, a total of 98 suspects were arrested within the period, while over 98 dugout pits used for illegal refining were destroyed.
A key highlight of the operation was the seizure of the vessel MV Amukpoye on February 13. The vessel was reportedly carrying 180 tonnes of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating crude oil theft, stating that efforts would be sustained to eradicate the crime.
Breakdown of recovered products shows 204,650 litres of crude oil, over 106,150 litres of illegally refined diesel, more than 138,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 8,000 litres of kerosene, and 700 litres of condensate.
The figures indicate that illegal operators are not only siphoning crude oil but are also engaged in organised local refining activities, converting stolen resources into market ready petroleum products.
Operation Delta Sentinel is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta, where illegal refining and pipeline vandalism continue to pose significant economic and environmental risks.
The development follows recent enforcement actions by the military under Operation Delta Safe, which reported the destruction of 101 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 219 suspects within the same period.