Nigerian navy seizes 7.48 million litres of stolen oil
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Nigerian Navy arrested 259 suspects and dismantled 168 illegal refining sites between November 2025 and November 2026, recovering more than 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. It also secured nine convictions and seized four vessels, according to figures cited by Punch.
The Nigerian Navy arrested 259 suspects and dismantled 168 illegal refining sites between November 2025 and November 2026 as part of its operations against oil theft and illegal bunkering. It also recovered more than 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, according to figures obtained by Punch from the navy.
The navy destroyed 363 illegal pits, seized four vessels suspected of being involved in oil theft and secured nine convictions for crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. It also said it had maintained zero incidents of piracy in Nigeria during the period under review, Punch reported.
Operation Delta Sentinel, launched in January 2026, strengthened operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime offences. Three fast patrol vessels, NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA, were also commissioned in June 2026 to increase maritime surveillance and response capabilities, according to the navy's figures.
The Nigerian Navy also said it had undertaken more than 36 infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 200-bed referral hospital, as well as more than 93 community development projects focusing on drinking water, education, healthcare and electricity, Punch reported.
