Troops from the Nigerian Navy, operating under the central command, successfully intercepted stolen crude oil amounting to 36,500 litres in bags and jerry-cans across various communities in Bayelsa State.

During a cordon-and-search operation conducted between January 22 and 23 and 29, 2024, the Nigerian Navy aimed to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta region, leading to the discovery and deactivation of illegally refined products.

Commander NNS SOROH, Commodore Olushina Ojebode, addressed the media in Diebu community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, sharing details of the operation.

In one building in the community, 17,000 litres of products suspected to be derived from stolen crude oil were found in a sack bag.

Representing Commodore Ojebode, Capt Suleiman Abdulahi, the executive officer of NNS SOROH, highlighted that the operation aligns with the Nigerian Navy’s ‘Operation Delta Sanity,’ focused on eliminating oil theft and illegal bunkering.

The Navy’s patrol team deployed at NNS 030 discovered about 20 sacks of illegally refined automotive gas, equivalent to four drums or 1,200 litres, in Zion Area of Ezetu community in Southern Ijaw.

Additionally, 16,500 litres of illegal crude oil were found in Gbaran community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, and another 1,800 litres at Sangana community in Brass Local Government Area.

Ojebode emphasized that the operation, aimed at combating crude oil theft and bunkering, has achieved significant success within the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH’s operational area.