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Nigerian Navy Dismantles 71 Illegal Oil Refineries in Major July Crackdown
Operation Delta Sanity records significant seizures as Nigeria’s crude production surpasses 1.8 million barrels daily
The Nigerian Navy achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against crude oil theft last month, destroying 71 illegal refinery sites and dismantling 120 dugout pits during Operation Delta Sanity operations in July 2025.
Naval spokesman Commodore A. Adams-Aliu announced the successful operation results, revealing that troops recovered substantial quantities of petroleum products during the raids. The seizures included approximately 411,400 litres of crude oil, 87,825 litres of illegally-refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 72,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The comprehensive operation demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s intensified commitment to combating maritime crimes under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The sustained efforts are aimed at completely eliminating crude oil theft activities that have historically impacted Nigeria’s petroleum revenue.
The anti-theft operations coincide with positive developments in Nigeria’s oil sector. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently confirmed that the country’s oil production has exceeded 1.8 million barrels per day (mpd), marking a significant achievement for the industry.
This production milestone underscores the effectiveness of security operations in protecting critical petroleum infrastructure and ensuring optimal output levels.
Commodore Adams-Aliu reaffirmed the Navy’s unwavering dedication to its maritime security mandate, emphasizing continued efforts to ensure safe waterways, deter criminal activities, and maintain national security across Nigeria’s extensive maritime domain.
The Operation Delta Sanity initiative represents part of broader Nigerian Navy strategies to protect the country’s valuable petroleum resources and maritime assets from illegal exploitation.
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