Operation Delta Safe Seizes $300M of Stolen Crude Oil in Niger Delta

Security operatives under Joint Task Force South-South’s Operation Delta Safe have intercepted vessels carrying suspected illegally sourced crude oil worth about $300 million. This marks a major escalation in efforts to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta. Authorities say the vessels and suspects are now under investigation to determine the origin and ownership of the cargo. The Nigerian Television Authority reports that security agencies are working to dismantle the criminal network behind this large-scale operation. In a related push under Operation Delta Sentinel, the Nigerian Navy recovered 531,500 litres of illicit fuel across 183 missions in Q1 2026. Notable hauls included 360,700 litres in February and 52,000 litres in March. Key seizures spanned Rivers and Bayelsa states, resulting in 18 arrests, eight suspects held in one operation, and the destruction of 12 illegal refineries, four storage sites, three vessels and two pipeline connections. These intensified enforcement actions underline Nigeria’s commitment to securing its oil resources and curbing revenue losses from crude theft. Sustained operations are seen as vital to restoring stability and safeguarding the nation’s economic assets.

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