The Nigerian Navy has placed its crackdown on crude oil theft at the heart of its achievements, announcing major milestones in its fight against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta and coastal waters, as the Nigerian Navy prepares to mark its 69th anniversary,
At a briefing held Monday in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans at Naval Headquarters, revealed that the Navy’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign, codenamed Operation Delta Sanity, has yielded significant results since its launch in January 2024.
According to Dewu, in 2024 alone, the Nigerian Navy arrested 215 suspects and seized 26 vessels involved in illegal oil bunkering.
A staggering 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO) were recovered.
The Navy also destroyed 468 illegal refinery sites, deactivated 361 wooden boats, and dismantled 1,107 dugout pits and 279 storage tanks used in oil theft.
The operation was relaunched as Delta Sanity II in December 2024 to build on previous gains. Since January 2025, the Navy has dismantled 103 additional illegal refinery sites, arrested 34 more suspects, and seized 773,000 litres of crude oil along with 150,000 litres of refined petroleum products.
“These operations have directly contributed to improved national crude oil output, in line with the President’s directive to eradicate oil theft and boost Nigeria’s exports,” Dewu said.
The crackdown on oil theft has been supported by advanced maritime surveillance technologies. Dewu noted that the Nigerian Navy maintains round-the-clock situational awareness across its maritime domain through the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capability systems, which enable early detection of illegal activities at sea.
These technologies, combined with increased patrols and swift responses, have helped Nigeria maintain its zero-piracy rating on the International Maritime Bureau index.
The Navy has also taken regional leadership by working toward the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force involving all Gulf of Guinea nations.
In February, Nigeria signed an agreement with the African Union to provide strategic sea lift capabilities for AU peace missions, a move that further highlights the Navy’s operational readiness and regional importance.
As part of efforts to bolster enforcement capacity, the Navy will commission three new patrol vessels—NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi—during the upcoming Navy Week.
Two of the vessels were acquired from Singapore and one from South Korea. Each ship is 38 metres long with an endurance of five days, designed for operations within Nigeria’s littorals and the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone.
In addition, three AgustaWestland 109 Trekker helicopters will be inducted into service, expanding the Navy’s air fleet to 14 helicopters and enhancing rapid response capabilities for maritime and anti-theft operations.
“These new platforms will significantly improve our sea and air presence, allowing us to go further and faster in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain,” Dewu said.
While celebrating its history and growth since its establishment on June 1, 1956, the Nigerian Navy is using the 2025 Navy Week to spotlight its current achievements, chief among them, the war on oil theft.
The weeklong celebration, held from May 23 to June 1, will feature public engagement events including community medical outreaches, boat races, ship open days, and a grand commissioning ceremony for the new vessels and helicopters at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos on May 31.
The celebration will conclude on June 1 with a Ceremonial Sunset and Dinner at Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Rear Admiral Dewu called on the press to amplify the Navy’s achievements and encouraged public participation in the anniversary events.
“Our operations are not just about securing the seas—they’re about protecting the nation’s economic lifelines,” he said.
“We are committed to ending crude oil theft and ensuring that Nigeria reaps the full benefits of its maritime resources.”
