Three suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested by an anti-crude oil theft unit from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, operating under Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta. The suspects were intercepted along with six boats loaded with crude oil during a sting operation carried out in the early hours of Sunday, June 15, 2025.
The arrest occurred at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Malu Jacket 19, located offshore in the Escravos area of the Niger Delta creeks. While three suspects were taken into custody, several others managed to escape using six high-powered speedboats—each equipped with 200-horsepower engines and carrying nine drums of suspected stolen crude oil.
Briefing journalists in Warri, Delta State on Wednesday, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, paraded the suspects along with two of the recovered boats. He described the operation as a clear indication of the involvement of a well-organized and well-funded criminal syndicate.
“The suspects were caught attempting to siphon crude oil from the platform in a highly coordinated act of economic sabotage,” Commodore Zubairu said. “Thanks to the swift response of our personnel, we were able to avert what could have been a major environmental and economic disaster.”
According to Zubairu, the apprehended suspects are all from the Awoye community in Ondo State. They are currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation, while relevant authorities have been notified for further joint inquiry and potential prosecution.
Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the fleeing accomplices, as well as to dismantle the wider network responsible for the illegal operation.
The Commander stressed that the incident underscores both the sophistication of the criminal enterprise and the critical importance of cooperation between the Navy and stakeholders in the oil sector.
He highlighted that the successful arrest reflects the Nigerian Navy’s resolve under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla, particularly through the ongoing initiative ‘Operation Delta Sanity’, which targets oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes.
Commodore Zubairu issued a stern warning to criminal elements to steer clear of Nigeria’s maritime territory, affirming the Navy’s readiness and vigilance in safeguarding the nation’s economic assets.
He concluded by thanking the public for their support and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity to the nearest naval or security outpost.
