The navy says it recovered more than 2.25 million litres of petroleum products and arrested over 70 suspects during operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other oil-related crimes between July and September 2026.
Key Highlights
- Navy recovered more than 2.25 million litres of petroleum products in Q3 2026.
- Over 70 suspects were arrested and 24 kidnapped persons rescued under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
- Four vessels and five boats were seized, while 14 other boats were destroyed.
- More than 88 illegal refining sites and 363 dugout pits were deactivated.
- Since January, the operation has recovered over 7.482 million litres and led to more than 230 arrests.
The recoveries form part of the navy’s third-quarter operations under ‘Operation DELTA SENTINEL’, which also led to the rescue of 24 kidnapped persons and the seizure of vessels and boats allegedly linked to criminal activities.
According to a statement issued by the navy on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the recovered products comprised 1,555,983 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 595,470 litres of automotive gas oil, 85,690 litres of petrol and 15,774 litres of dual purpose kerosene.
The navy said its operations also resulted in the seizure of four vessels and five boats, while 14 other boats were destroyed because of their alleged involvement in crude oil theft.
Illegal Refining Sites Deactivated
As part of efforts to dismantle illegal oil-processing infrastructure, the service deactivated more than 88 illegal refining sites, 363 dugout pits, 20 reservoirs and 80 storage tanks and reservoirs.
The navy further reported the destruction of eight refining ovens and the recovery of eight outboard engines, four arms, more than 100 rounds of ammunition and seven vehicles and trucks.
The operations were aimed at disrupting the networks responsible for the theft, processing, storage and transportation of illegally sourced petroleum products, while protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Gains Since January
The latest figures add to the gains recorded since ‘Operation DELTA SENTINEL’ commenced in January 2026.
In the first quarter of the year, the navy conducted more than 183 operations, recovered over 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and arrested 18 suspects.
The service recorded higher operational activity in the second quarter, conducting more than 580 intelligence-driven operations.
These resulted in the recovery of over 4.698 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, the arrest of more than 91 suspects and the dismantling of over 48 illegal refining sites.
Read also:
- Navy Recover 4.7m Litres Of Stolen Crude, Arrests 91 Suspects In Niger Delta
- Navy Uncovers 40,000 Litres Of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil In Delta
- Navy Destroys Illegal Refining Site, Three Storage Tanks In Rivers
Cumulatively, the navy said it has disrupted more than 241 illegal refining networks and sites, recovered over 7.482 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, and arrested more than 230 suspects since the operation began.
The service said it intensified intelligence-led operations during the third quarter to restrict criminal activities, secure oil and gas assets and improve the environment for legitimate economic activities.
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