By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft, recording major operational successes under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in the first quarter of 2026.
The Navy said it carried out over 183 operations between January and March, leading to the recovery of 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and the arrest of 18 suspects.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation has significantly disrupted illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.
He disclosed that February recorded the highest recovery volume with 360,700 litres, while January and March recorded 118,800 litres and 52,000 litres respectively.
Folorunsho highlighted key breakthroughs, including the interception of an 18-tonne barge, discovery of a 96,000-litre illegal wellhead in Bayelsa, and multiple recoveries across Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states.
He added that several illegal refinery sites, storage facilities, vessels and pipeline connections were dismantled during the operations.
The Navy spokesman stressed that sustained operations are gradually weakening the economic base of oil theft syndicates.
He assured that the Navy would continue intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other agencies to protect Nigeria’s oil assets.