In a decisive move against oil theft and maritime crime, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta have apprehended three suspected pipeline vandals and recovered six boats laden with stolen crude oil.
The arrests were made by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos during a sting operation conducted in the early hours of Sunday, following credible intelligence. The suspects were caught red-handed siphoning crude oil at Chevron Nigeria Ltd’s Malu Jacket 19 offshore facility in the creeks of Escravos, Niger Delta.
Organized Syndicate Busted
Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, who paraded the suspects and seized equipment at the Warri Naval Base on Wednesday, described the operation as a “highly coordinated and well-resourced illegal activity.”
According to Zubairu, while three suspects were arrested at the scene, several others managed to escape in six speedboats, each equipped with powerful 200HP engines and carrying nine drums filled with crude.
“Our operatives acted swiftly and decisively to prevent what could have resulted in significant environmental and economic damage,” he said. All three suspects, who are from Ondo State, are currently in custody, with investigations underway to track down the fleeing accomplices and expose the broader network behind the theft.
‘Operation Delta Sanity’ Making Impact
This operation forms part of the Navy’s wider strategy under Operation Delta Sanity, a directive launched by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at rooting out oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of maritime crime.
Commodore Zubairu emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, reaffirming the Navy’s zero-tolerance approach to sabotage of national resources.
Public Support Remains Vital
Zubairu concluded by appreciating public support and encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity around oil infrastructure or waterways to the nearest security post.
“This arrest should serve as a clear warning—our Navy remains ever vigilant and determined to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and economic assets,” he stated.
