Navy Cracks Down on Oil Thieves: Destroys Illegal Refining Site in N-Delta Creeks
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed a dump site used for illegal refining activities in the creeks of the Niger Delta region.
The operation, which was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, is part of the ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft, illegal oil refining, and pipeline vandalism in the area.
According to Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, the Commander of NNS Delta, the discovery of the illegal refining site was made possible by intelligence gathered on the activities of illegal bunkerers in the creeks.
A team of 14 naval personnel, deployed in two gunboats and one speedboat, was sent to the creeks on June 19, 2025, to carry out the operation.
The team navigated to the Obotebe community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, where they discovered the dump site used for the illegal refining activities.
The site, located at coordinates Lat 5.381734⁰N and long 5.587105⁰E, was found to be equipped with various items, including a 1.5 Horsepower Yamaha engine, a generator, six pumping machines, and two rolls of hoses.
Commodore Zubairu explained that the exercise was conducted in line with Operation Delta Sanity 11, which is under the mandate and strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The operation is aimed at sanitizing the Niger Delta region of illegal oil refining activities and ensuring the security of the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The destruction of the illegal refining site is a significant achievement for the Nigerian Navy, and it demonstrates the commitment of the military to tackling the menace of oil theft and illegal refining in the region.
The operation is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the economy, as it will help to reduce the pollution caused by illegal refining activities and increase the revenue generated from oil sales.
The Nigerian Navy has urged the public to provide information on any illegal activities in the area, promising to continue to work tirelessly to protect the nation’s oil and gas resources.
With the destruction of the illegal refining site, the Navy has sent a strong message to oil thieves and illegal refiners that their activities will no longer be tolerated, and that the military is committed to bringing them to justice.
