The Nigerian Navy has announced that its troops from Operation Delta Sanity have achieved significant success in the Niger Delta region, deactivating 124 illegal refining sites and arresting 55 suspected oil thieves and illegal refinery operators over the past four months.
The Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, made this known to journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.
He noted that 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits, and 64 storage tanks were also deactivated, along with the arrest of 6 vessels in the last four months.
Rear Admiral Bura added that various items and equipment used in constructing illegal refineries were seized, emphasizing that these operations were conducted in line with existing regulations.
“Since the extension in July 2024, a total of 55 suspects have been arrested while about 124 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated in accordance with extant regulations.
“Furthermore, a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized”, he said.
He stated that the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to combat illegal crude oil refining and theft have positively influenced the nation’s oil production.
“These achievements have impacted positively on the Nation’s oil production. According to the NNPCL, the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day. This constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024″.
He also expressed gratitude to other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders, youths, and all well-meaning Nigerians for their ongoing support and collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft.