The Nigerian Navy (NN) says its team of the Forward Operating Base Bonny, under Operation Delta Sanity, has destroyed a camp of suspected crude oil thieves and apprehended two suspects in Rivers.

The director of naval information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Adams-Aliu said the team had, on Sunday, engaged a group of suspected crude oil thieves in a fire-fight at Elem-Akrakama, and Elem-Tombia general area of Rivers.

According to him, on sighting the team, the suspects, who were armed on board two speedboats, diverted and fled into their camp with the navy personnel in pursuit.

He said the team deployed drone surveillance for situational awareness and effective fires, forcing the suspects to retreat into the surrounding creeks.

“The operation resulted in a decisive victory as the criminals’ camp and boats were successfully destroyed.

“Additionally, one suspect was neutralised while two were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.

“Items recovered from the suspects include two outboard engines (200 and 140 Horse Power) and two Motorola walkie-talkie radios, amongst others,” he said.

Mr Adams-Aliu recalled that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla,  launched the operation in January 2024 to combat crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

He said the successes of the operation led to its extension in April 2024 and another extension in July 2024.

According to him, 24 suspects and six vessels have been arrested between April and July, while 122 Illegal refinery sites were deactivated and 57 wooden boats destroyed.

“The successful operation by Quick Response Team of Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base BONNY is one of the many effective interdiction operations conducted by Nigerian Navy units in Niger Delta region.

“Once again, nefarious elements involved in Crude Oil Theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime space are warned to desist from such acts as the Nigerian Navy will stop at nothing to restore sanity and order in the Niger Delta Region,” he added.

(NAN)