The Nigerian Navy has launched a series of coordinated operations across Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States under the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY.

The clampdown, conducted between April 20 and 22, 2025, resulted in multiple arrests, the dismantling of illegal refinery sites, and the seizure of illicit petroleum products.

On Sunday, April 20, operatives aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH apprehended four suspects believed to be pipeline vandals in possession of tools used to sabotage the Renaissance Africa Energy Company pipeline at River-Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State.

The following day, Monday, April 21, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) ESCRAVOS uncovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites in Oteghele, Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State. The sites included two refining ovens and ten dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil.

That same day, NNS SOROH also intercepted two vehicles carrying sacks of illegally refined petroleum products in Olodo Community, Bayelsa State.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Naval Outpost ONITSHA arrested two suspects allegedly preparing to attack the SEEPCO oil facility in Oguikpele Community, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State.

The suspects, armed with a locally made rifle and 10 machetes, have been linked to the fatal ambush of three soldiers on June 11, 2024.

In a separate operation on April 22, NNS DELTA deactivated two more illegal refinery sites in Bernnet Island and Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State.

The facilities contained nine dugout pits, with numerous sacks and drums filled with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and stolen crude oil.

Across the three-day campaign, the Navy arrested six suspects, dismantled four illegal refinery sites, deactivated nine dugout pits, and seized two vehicles involved in oil theft operations.

These efforts, directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reinforce the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s maritime environment and eliminating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.