Navy Arrests 55 and Dismantles 124 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Navy has announced the arrest of 55 suspected crude oil thieves and the dismantling of 124 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region over the past four months.

Rear Admiral Samson Bura, the Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command, made the announcement to journalists on Thursday in Yenagoa, highlighting the success of Operation Delta Sanity and revealing a 90-day extension of the operation.

Bura reported that, during this period, the Navy deactivated a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits, and 64 storage tanks, in addition to seizing six vessels. He emphasized that these operations were conducted in compliance with existing regulations.

“The fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining has significantly boosted Nigeria’s oil production, which has increased to 1.7 million barrels per day, compared to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024,” he stated.

Bura noted that Operation Delta Sanity was launched on January 10, 2024, to build upon the successes of Operation Dakatar Da Bara, aimed at combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

“The operation employs a combination of advanced technology from the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, intelligence gathering, and kinetic operations, along with non-kinetic approaches such as medical outreach, media campaigns, educational initiatives, and community engagement,” he explained.

Since the operation’s extension in July 2024, Bura reported, 55 suspects have been arrested, and significant efforts have been made to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure.

“These achievements have had a positive impact on the nation’s oil production, as confirmed by the NNPCL. The current production level of 1.7 million barrels per day marks a significant improvement from the figures recorded earlier this year,” he added.

In conclusion, Bura expressed gratitude to other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders, and members of the press for their continued support and collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft.

Gathered By: Praise Inalegwu

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