In a renewed push against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has successfully executed a surveillance-led operation under Operation Delta Sanity, neutralizing an illegal refining site at Obodo-Omadino Creek in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, was the outcome of credible intelligence pointing to illicit crude oil activities within the creeks. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, naval personnel from NNS Delta stormed the location and uncovered several dugout pits and sacks filled with large quantities of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. The team also seized a wooden boat and a pumping machine believed to have been used by the operators for illegal bunkering.
According to naval authorities, the site was promptly deactivated to prevent further environmental degradation and economic sabotage. The illegal refining camp, located at coordinates Latitude 5.558328°N and Longitude 5.616693°E, was strategically positioned in the creeks to evade detection.
However, the Navy’s sustained intelligence and surveillance network under Operation Delta Sanity ensured the criminals’ activities were uncovered and halted.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its unwavering commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across the Niger Delta region. Through operations like Delta Sanity, the service continues to strengthen its surveillance systems, intelligence sharing, and community collaborations to curb illegal refining and restore environmental integrity in oil-producing communities.
The latest crackdown reinforces the Navy’s stance that no criminal network engaged in crude oil theft will go unchecked. Authorities have assured that similar intelligence-led missions will be sustained across coastal areas to safeguard the nation’s economic assets and ensure maritime security.
Read also: Oborevwori Bans Contract Inflation, Reaffirms Commitment to Justice and Transparency in Delta
