The Nigerian Navy has arrested 259 suspects and destroyed 168 illegal refineries in its operations against crude oil theft and maritime crimes between November 2025 and November 2026.

The Navy also recovered more than 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products within the period.

Four vessels suspected of involvement in oil theft were impounded, while 363 dugout pits used for illegal refining activities were destroyed.

The Service further secured nine convictions for offences bordering on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The achievements were contained in the one-year scorecard of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

According to the report, the Navy sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status through intelligence-driven operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime environment, securing critical national assets and supporting economic development.