By Iroyin Yoruba Television News Desk
The Nigerian Navy has arrested 23 suspected oil thieves and seized approximately 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a major operation along the coastline of Ondo State.
The operation, conducted by the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, also led to the destruction of 16 illegal refining sites and the recovery of two wooden boats used to transport the stolen petroleum products.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence about the activities of oil thieves operating in the coastal areas of Ondo State.
The Commander of FOB Igbokoda, Navy Captain Abubakar Ibrahim, said the operation targeted illegal refining camps and storage facilities used by criminal syndicates to siphon crude oil from pipelines and refine it in makeshift facilities.
The 23 suspects were arrested at various locations during the operation. The Navy recovered approximately 100,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, which was stored in makeshift reservoirs and jerrycans at the illegal sites.
The two wooden boats seized during the operation were believed to have been used to transport the stolen crude oil from the illegal refining sites to buyers along the waterways.
CONTEXT: OIL THEFT IN NIGERIA’S COASTAL WATERS
Oil theft has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, costing the country billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. The illegal activity involves the siphoning of crude oil from pipelines, which is then refined in makeshift facilities known as “bush refineries” or sold to buyers for export.
Ondo State, particularly its coastal and riverine areas, has become a significant hotspot for oil theft operations in recent years. The state’s extensive network of creeks, rivers and mangrove forests provides cover for criminal syndicates operating illegal refining camps.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations against oil theft under Operation Delta Sanity, a dedicated campaign launched to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. The operation involves naval patrols, intelligence-gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
In a separate operation earlier this month, the Navy discovered and destroyed six illegal refining sites in the creeks of Ondo State, seizing over 60,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The Navy also arrested 12 suspects in that operation.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has repeatedly stated that oil theft and pipeline vandalism pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s oil production capacity and revenue generation. The company has called for stronger enforcement measures and community engagement to address the root causes of the problem.
ECONOMIC IMPACT AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
Oil theft has cost Nigeria an estimated $3 billion in lost revenue over the past decade, according to industry estimates. The illegal activity also causes environmental damage, including oil spills that contaminate waterways, farmlands and fishing grounds, affecting the livelihoods of communities in the Niger Delta.
The Federal Government has deployed a combination of military operations, surveillance technology and community engagement programmes to combat oil theft. The Nigerian Navy, Army and Air Force have all been involved in operations targeting illegal refining sites and pipeline vandalism.
In 2024, the Navy launched Operation Delta Sanity, which has recorded significant seizures and arrests. The operation involves the deployment of naval ships, helicopters and special forces to patrol the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta.
The government has also introduced measures to address the demand side of the problem, including the regulation of artisanal refining and the promotion of modular refineries to provide legitimate alternatives for communities involved in illegal refining.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The 23 suspects arrested during the operation are expected to be handed over to the relevant prosecuting authorities, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for further investigation and prosecution.
The Navy has intensified surveillance in the coastal areas of Ondo State to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining sites. Further operations are expected as the Navy continues its campaign against oil theft in the region.
The recovered crude oil and seized boats are expected to be processed as exhibits in the prosecution of the suspects.
WHAT REMAINS UNCLEAR
Several key questions remain unanswered. The Navy has not disclosed the identities of the 23 suspects or the specific locations where they were arrested. The estimated market value of the seized crude oil has not been released.
The Navy has not stated whether the operation is connected to a larger syndicate or whether the suspects were acting independently. No information has been released on whether any of the suspects are linked to previous oil theft operations in the area.
The environmental impact of the illegal refining activities, including any oil spills or contamination, has not been assessed. The Navy has not announced whether remediation efforts will be undertaken at the destroyed sites.
For now, the operation stands as a confirmed enforcement action by the Nigerian Navy, with the full details of the suspects’ network, the extent of their operations and the legal proceedings against them yet to be established.