The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining activities with the demolition of a major bunkering site in Delta State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, operating under Operation Delta Sanity II, uncovered and destroyed an illegal oil refining dump located in the Obotebe community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation was carried out on June 19 under the command of Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, who leads the NNS Delta. The move is part of ongoing military efforts to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental degradation across the Niger Delta.
During the operation, naval personnel discovered and seized several pieces of equipment used in the illicit activity. Items recovered included a Yamaha outboard engine, a generator, six industrial pumps, and numerous heavy-duty hoses—tools typically associated with crude oil bunkering.
The illegal refinery setup was dismantled on the spot, and all materials were taken for further investigation. Authorities are yet to confirm if any arrests were made.
Military officials say the action reinforces the Navy’s commitment to eliminating oil-related criminality and protecting Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure.
Crude oil theft has significantly impacted national revenue, with Nigeria losing billions of naira annually to illicit refining and pipeline breaches.
The Navy’s ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II is designed to disrupt these illegal networks and restore control over oil-producing areas.
Nigerians and environmental advocates have praised the operation, urging the government to support the Navy with more resources and to ensure that suspects face justice.
The Navy reiterated its resolve to sustain operations until illegal oil activities are completely eradicated from the region.