Nigerian Navy Dismantles Oil Theft Network Worth N600m

The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in combating oil theft, successfully dismantling a large-scale illegal oil refining and storage network across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States. The operation, part of the ongoing Delta Sentinel initiative, was announced by Navy spokesperson Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.

It involved coordinated raids targeting identified hotspots associated with crude oil theft. The operation utilized the Nigerian Navy ship NN Soroh and combined land and water approaches to navigate difficult terrains, leading to the discovery of several illegal refining camps.

Preliminary findings indicated the recovery of approximately 103,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil and 190,000 liters of illegally refined automotive gas oil and diesel, valued at N433 million. Additionally, a separate operation in Delta State uncovered a hidden crude oil storage site on Bennett Island, revealing 78,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil.

The Navy emphasized its commitment to disrupting criminal networks undermining Nigeria's energy sector and protecting the nation's economic interests.