The Nigerian Navy has dismantled more than 800 illegal refineries and recovered 171,000 barrels of stolen crude oil in a sweeping crackdown on oil theft over the past two years.

The nationwide operations also resulted in the arrest of 76 vessels and at least 242 individuals linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed the developments.

Ogalla stated that the operations further led to the seizure of 76 vessels and the arrest of at least 242 suspects linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.

“The Nigerian Navy has arrested 76 vessels and at least 242 suspects in anti-oil theft operations and destroyed more than 800 illegal refining sites during a two-year crackdown.

“Rampant oil theft from pipelines and wells has crippled Nigeria’s oil industry in recent years, damaging government finances and stifling exports.

“Since June 2023, naval authorities have seized around 171,000 barrels of crude and millions of litres of illegally refined fuels from criminal networks,” he said.

He noted that the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to restore accountability and curb losses in the oil and gas sector.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to tackle oil theft at its roots and enhance transparency across the oil supply chain by ensuring that only authorised cargoes are cleared for export, thereby preventing the smuggling of stolen crude.

To strengthen its capacity, the Nigerian Navy has also acquired new patrol boats, three warships, and three AW139 helicopters. It is constructing two seaward defence boats and expecting the delivery of two 76-metre offshore patrol vessels from Dearsan Shipyard in Turkey to boost monitoring and maritime security.

Oil theft remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s oil industry, undermining government revenue and hindering the country’s ability to meet its production targets.