The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region through its ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY.
The Navy disclosed significant breakthroughs by its personnel in Delta and Rivers States on Friday, revealing the discovery and deactivation of multiple illegal refining operations.
In a statement shared via its official Facebook page, the Navy reported that on Thursday, 19 June 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA uncovered a dump site used for illicit refining operations in the Obotebe community, located in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Navy stated, “The dump site contained 1 Yamaha engine, 1 generator, 6 pumping machines and 2 rolls of hoses.”
The Navy emphasized that this action is part of its sustained maritime security efforts aimed at curbing illegal bunkering and environmental degradation in the oil-rich region.
The items recovered at the site are believed to be key components used in the operation of makeshift refineries, which are often hidden in remote, swampy areas.
In a related operation carried out the same day, personnel aboard Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER made another significant discovery in Rivers State.
The Navy said, “On Thursday 19 June 2024, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER discovered and deactivated an illegal connection to a wellhead, 2 illegal refining sites with 3 refining ovens and 4 dug out pits laden with an unspecified amount of illegally siphoned crude oil in Egbema, Rivers State.”
These discoveries underscore the Navy’s ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in crude oil theft and ensure the protection of Nigeria’s economic assets and environment.
Operation DELTA SANITY continues to serve as a robust response to the growing threat of illegal refining across the Niger Delta.