Navy Foils Crude Oil Theft, Arrests Vandals in Delta Creeks

OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos, attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, have intercepted and arrested three suspected oil thieves during a sting operation in the early hours of Sunday, 15th June 2025, at Chevron Nigeria Ltd’s Malu Jacket 19 facility offshore Escravos in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operation, carried out based on credible intelligence, disrupted an illegal siphoning attempt on a crude oil pipeline. While three suspects were apprehended on site, others fled using six speedboats, each fitted with 200-horsepower engines and carrying nine drums believed to contain stolen crude.

Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, while addressing the press in Warri on Wednesday, said the suspects’ actions bore the hallmarks of an organised and well-funded criminal network.

“These individuals were caught in the act of sabotaging one of our nation’s vital economic assets. The level of coordination observed suggests the involvement of a sophisticated syndicate with considerable resources,” Commodore Zubairu explained.

He said two of the six boats used by the fleeing suspects were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining vessels and arrest those who escaped.

The arrested suspects, all hailing from Awoye community in Ondo State, are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation. Relevant agencies have been notified to take over for further probing and prosecution.

“Our investigation will not stop here,” the naval chief assured. “We are determined to uncover the entire network and bring all involved to justice.”

Commodore Zubairu further highlighted that the operation aligned with the Nigerian Navy’s broader objective under Operation Delta Sanity, launched by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla, to combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime offences.

“This arrest underscores our zero-tolerance stance on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. We remain committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and economic interests,” he affirmed.

He concluded by thanking members of the public for their continued support and encouraged them to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest naval base or security agency.

“This success should serve as a stern warning to others engaged in such illegal activities – the Nigerian Navy is watching and ready to act.”