File photo | A part of Nembe community in Bayelsa polluted by spilled crude oil

The Nigerian Navy says troops of Operation Delta Sanity arrested six suspected crude oil thieves in Bayelsa state. 

Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, director of naval information, said in a statement that the suspects were apprehended in a series of simultaneous operations conducted from April 20-22. 

He added that the navy ship SOROH took them in on Sunday around Renaissance Africa Energy Coy Pipeline at River-Kolo creek in Bayelsa.

“The Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS on Monday discovered and deactivated two illegal refinery sites in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino community, Warri South-West LGA of Delta,” the statement reads. 

Adams-Aliu said the site contained two refining ovens and 10 dugout pits laden with large amounts of stolen crude oil.

He added that the ship also intercepted and impounded two vehicles laden with several sacks of illegally refined products in Olodo community.

The navy also announced that there were arrests in Anambra and Delta states.

“On Tuesday, Naval Outpost Onitsha apprehended suspects with a locally made rifle and 10 machetes,” he said. 

“The suspects were in the process of attacking SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele community, Polanskis LGA of Anambra.

“Investigation revealed that these suspects were allegedly involved in the attack and killing of three soldiers on June 11, 2024.

“On Tuesday, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta discovered and deactivated two illegal refinery sites in Bernnet island and Obodo Omadino community in Warri South-West LGA of Delta.

“The site had nine dugout pits, several sacks and drums laden with large amounts of illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil.”

Adams-Aliu said the three-day coordinated anti-crude oil theft operations underscored the navy’s resolve to rid the maritime domain of thieves and other nefarious elements.

He said the resolution was in line with the directive of Emmanuel Ogalla, chief of naval staff.