The Nigerian Navy has arrested 242 suspects and seized 76 vessels in a sweeping two-year crackdown on oil theft, which has impacted the country’s oil sector.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, launched in June 2023 the operations have also resulted in the destruction of more than 800 illegal refining sites nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on 19 June the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla emphasized the importance of the problem, noting that theft from pipelines and oil wells has significantly reduced government revenue and disrupted crude oil 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. To stop theft at the source, the navy began verifying oil cargoes at Nigeria’s five major export terminals in January 2025.” Ogalla stated.
