Navy, DSS Arrest 9 Suspected Oil Thieves in Joint Raids
The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has successfully raided Akwa Ibom waterways, dismantling a syndicate of oil thieves and other maritime criminals. Nine suspects were arrested in the operation.
At a press briefing held at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee at Ikot Abasi, Commodore Abubakar Umar, explained that the intensified crackdown on oil thieves and maritime criminals followed the launch of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on December 30, 2024.
“The goal of the operation is to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, sea robbery, piracy, and other maritime crimes in the Eastern region of the country’s waters, with the aim of boosting the nation’s crude oil production,” Umar said.
He noted that since the operation’s launch, the task force had carried out numerous maritime and air patrols, as well as interdiction missions, leading to multiple arrests and prosecutions of suspects.
On the latest raid, Umar revealed: “On February 7, 2025, following credible intelligence, a wooden boat suspected of engaging in economic sabotage was intercepted, with nine individuals onboard, near one of the wellheads within the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility (ENCAR).”
The raid was a result of a coordinated intelligence operation between security personnel from the operators, the Nigerian Navy, and the DSS. Navy assets, including ships and air support, as well as Private Maritime Logistics Support Companies (PMLSCs), were deployed as part of the operation.
“The arrest underscores the Navy’s unwavering commitment to reducing maritime-related crimes in the nation’s waters to the barest minimum,” Commodore Umar stated. “This effort aligns with the CNS’s vision for increased synergy between the Armed Forces and other security agencies.”
Umar also issued a warning to oil thieves and other criminals operating in the region, urging them to cease their activities or face severe consequences.
“Proper investigations have been initiated for the arrested suspects, and they will face the full force of the law,” he concluded.
