The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a group of suspected pipeline vandals during a coordinated operation at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Malu Jacket 19 offshore facility in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos under the command of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, took place in the early hours of Sunday, 15 June 2025. Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives apprehended three suspects at the scene. Others fled in six speedboats, each fitted with 200-horsepower engines and loaded with nine drums.
Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, who paraded the suspects and two of the impounded boats in Warri on Wednesday, described the operation as the work of a “well-organised and well-resourced syndicate.”
He said, “The suspects were attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the jacket in a highly coordinated operation aimed at sabotaging national economic assets. Our operatives acted swiftly and decisively, preventing what could have resulted in significant environmental and economic damage.”
All arrested suspects, reportedly from the Awoye community in Ondo State, are currently in custody and under preliminary investigation. Authorities have been notified for further collaborative inquiry and prosecution.
“Investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the broader network behind this coordinated illegal activity,” Commodore Zubairu added.
He also stressed the value of joint efforts in securing critical infrastructure: “This incident highlights not only the sophistication of the criminal network but also the strategic value of collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and stakeholders in the oil sector.”
The naval commander reiterated the service’s commitment under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla, particularly through ongoing initiatives like Operation Delta Sanity.
Also Read: Lagos Urges Community Support Against Pipeline Vandalism
“This arrest underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff… to ensure zero tolerance for oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and all forms of maritime criminality,” he said.
Commodore Zubairu warned criminal elements to steer clear of Nigeria’s maritime zone, declaring, “This should serve as a strong warning… the Nigerian Navy remains poised and ever vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and economic lifelines.”
He concluded by urging the public to report suspicious activities: “We appreciate the public’s continued support and encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity to the nearest naval or security outpost.”
