In a significant blow to economic saboteurs, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh has successfully dismantled 15 illegal refinery sites and recovered over 800,000 litres of stolen crude oil during a series of high-intensity operations across the waterways of Bayelsa State.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of more than two million litres of adulterated fuel and 30,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Twelve vessels utilised by criminal syndicates for the siphoning of petroleum products were also impounded.
The Base Operations Officer of NNS Soroh, Lieutenant Commander E. C. Igwe, provided these details during a formal briefing for the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, and a delegation of defence correspondents visiting the naval base.
According to Lieutenant Commander Igwe, the operations were spearheaded by the elite Special Boat Service under the auspices of Operation Delta Safe. He noted that NNS Soroh’s operational mandate spans 107 nautical miles—from the Ramos River to the San Bartholomew River—an expanse that remains fundamental to Nigeria’s maritime and economic infrastructure.
“Through Forward Operating Base (FOB) Koluama and Naval Outpost Kulama, the Base extends its operational reach across Bayelsa’s intricate waterways,” the officer stated. He further explained that strategic patrol stations at Kansan and Ezetu serve as critical gatekeepers at the entrances of the Yon and Pennington rivers.
Beyond the combat against oil theft, the Navy reported notable successes in anti-piracy and counter-militancy efforts. A raid conducted on 27 June 2025, in the Peremabiri community led to the apprehension of a suspected militant and the recovery of a heavy-duty HK machine gun along with live ammunition.
The Lieutenant Commander also highlighted the Navy’s efficacy in anti-kidnapping manoeuvres. He cited the rescue of a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) official abducted in March 2025, noting that swift naval intervention compelled the captors to release the victim unharmed. A subsequent intelligence-led operation in May resulted in the arrest of a key suspect linked to the crime.
While noting that sustained naval pressure has forced oil thieves to adopt “smaller-capacity boats” to evade detection, the officer reaffirmed the Navy’s unwavering resolve to disrupt these criminal supply chains.
In his concluding remarks, Lieutenant Commander Igwe underscored the importance of the relationship between the military and the fourth estate. He noted that transparent media engagement has bolstered public confidence and improved intelligence sharing. However, he cautioned against “unregulated social media reporting,” which he warned could jeopardise the safety of personnel and the success of ongoing maritime security operations.
The Nigerian Navy continues to call upon host communities to strengthen partnerships and enhance early warning systems to rid the region of piracy, militancy, and the scourge of crude oil theft.
