Navy arrests 259 oil thieves, destroys 168 illegal refineries in 12 months

Monday, November 9, 2026 -The Nigerian Navy, between November 2025 and November 2026, arrested 259 suspects and destroyed 168 illegal refineries.

The service also impounded four vessels allegedly used for oil theft, while over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were recovered within the year under review.

According to the scorecard obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the Navy also destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

It read, “The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational, infrastructural and institutional achievements in the first year of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of the Naval Staff, strengthening its contribution to maritime security, protection of national assets and national development.

“Between November 2025 and November 2026, the Service sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status and recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products.

“It also deactivated 168 illegal refining sites, destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and impounded four vessels suspected of involvement in crude oil theft, and secured nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”

The service also sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status through intelligence-driven operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

As part of efforts to strengthen maritime security, the Navy activated Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime offences.

“A major operational initiative was the activation of Operation Delta Sentinel in January 2026 to strengthen efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

“The Navy also commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels, NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA, in June 2026 to enhance maritime surveillance, operational reach and response capabilities,” it said.

On infrastructure development, the Navy recorded over 36 projects and commenced the construction of a 200-bed Reference Hospital to improve personnel welfare.

It also executed over 93 community development projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects and other initiatives, providing support in potable water, education, healthcare and electricity.

In addition, the service inducted 328 Nigerian Navy Marines to strengthen its capacity to tackle asymmetric threats, while training for a second batch was ongoing.

The Navy also participated in major multinational exercises and operationalised the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to strengthen regional cooperation and collective maritime security.