Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian Navy has recovered more than 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, deactivated 168 illegal refining sites and arrested 259 suspects in its operations between November 2025 and November 2026.
The Service also destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested four vessels suspected of involvement in crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, and secured nine convictions for related offences within the period.
Directorate of Naval Information, disclosed this in a media release on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the directorate, the achievements were recorded under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, from October 30, 2025, to November 4, 2026.
“Between November 2025 and November 2026, the Service sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status and recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.
“It also deactivated 168 illegal refining sites, destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and four vessels suspected of involvement in crude oil theft, and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism”, it stated.
According to the Navy, it also sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status while intensifying operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
A major initiative in the campaign was the activation of Operation DELTA SENTINEL in January 2026 to strengthen efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other criminal activities in the maritime domain.
The Navy said it also strengthened its operational capacity with the commissioning of three high-speed patrol vessels, NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA, in June 2026.
The vessels are expected to improve maritime surveillance, extend the Service’s operational reach and enhance its response capabilities.
Beyond maritime operations, the Navy said it commissioned more than 36 infrastructure projects covering accommodation, medical, office and multipurpose facilities.
It also commenced the development of a 200-bed Reference Hospital at Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and personnel welfare.
On community development, the Service completed more than 93 projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (CNS-SIQIP) and other initiatives.
The projects included 18 solar-powered boreholes, renovation of 11 school buildings, construction and equipping of 11 healthcare centres, and provision of electricity infrastructure in three communities.
In personnel development, the Navy graduated and inducted its first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, who were deployed to reinforce ongoing military operations, particularly against asymmetric threats in northern Nigeria.
It said training for a second batch of Marines was ongoing.
The Service also highlighted its participation in multinational maritime exercises, including OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, COASTAL GRIP 2, GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2026 and CROCODILE LIFT.
Another milestone was the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea during the Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations in June 2026.
The Navy added that the achievements reflected its commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical national assets, developing personnel and contributing to national security and economic prosperity.
