The Nigerian Navy has applauded the Uyo division of the Federal High Court for convicting and sentencing nine crude oil thieves, describing the verdict as a significant step in the sustained fight against economic sabotage.

In a statement on Friday, naval spokesperson Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said the convictions of the oil thieves were not just a judicial outcome but a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when operational action is backed by effective prosecution and judicial determination.

Mr Folorunsho said the Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations against oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage under its anti-crude oil theft operation, Delta Sentinel, which has been operational since January.

He said the operation has dismantled over 241 illegal refining sites and sophisticated criminal networks.

The operation recovered over 6.44 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and other illegally refined petroleum products, and nabbing over 230 suspects through intelligence-driven surveillance, precision interdictions, and sustained maritime dominance across the Niger Delta.

Mr Folorunsho said these operational achievements underscored the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to tackle economic saboteurs who exploit the nation’s hydrocarbon resources, protect critical national infrastructure, and reinforce energy security.

He also reaffirmed the renewed operational momentum, driven by the strategic leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whose emphasis on intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced maritime domain awareness has significantly strengthened the Service’s capacity to combat maritime crime. 

“These efforts directly support the policy direction of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, thereby contributing to national economic development and the sustainable growth of the nation’s oil and gas sector,” Mr Folorunsho said.

He reiterated that while successful interceptions at sea are essential, it becomes even more critical when criminals are arrested and convicted in a timely manner, reinforcing the rule of law.

“The Nigerian Navy commends the Judiciary for this landmark judgment and appreciates the Department of State Services for its professionalism in seeing the case through to a successful conclusion,” Mr Folorunsho said.

He added that the service’s fight against crude oil theft can achieve enduring success only through seamless collaboration across the entire criminal justice chain, from intelligence gathering and enforcement to prosecution and conviction. 

The navy advocated accelerating the adjudication of all pending crude oil theft cases to strengthen deterrence, uphold accountability, and consolidate the nation’s efforts to protect its maritime resources.

It also affirmed its efforts in combating oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, warning individuals and other organised criminal syndicates to desist from such illicit activities. 

“Indeed, the latest conviction is a pointer that perpetrators of crude oil theft cannot rely on the remoteness of oil-producing communities, waterways or oil installations to evade justice,” Mr Folorunsho added.

He also called on members of the public and communities to support its operations by providing credible information on activities by criminal elements who threaten the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.

“Going forward, the Nigerian Navy will not waver in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical national oil and gas asset/infrastructure and supporting legitimate economic activity,” he said.

The Nigerian Navy further assured that it will continue to sustain operational pressure against economic saboteurs while strengthening collaboration with the judiciary, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the country’s national prosperity through increased oil production.