Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh has destroyed 15 illegal refining operations and confiscated approximately 800,000 litres of stolen crude oil, along with over two million litres of contaminated fuel, during ongoing anti-oil theft campaigns across Bayelsa State.
Lt. Commander E.C. Igwe, Base Operations Officer at NNS Soroh, made this known when Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, led a delegation of defence journalists to the naval facility.
According to Igwe, Special Boat Service personnel operating under Operation Delta Safe executed the missions, which also resulted in the seizure of more than 30,000 litres of stolen diesel and the capture of 12 vessels used for illegal oil siphoning activities.
During the briefing, he outlined that NNS Soroh operates under Central Naval Command and Sector 2 of Operation Delta Safe, securing approximately 107 nautical miles of waterways between the Ramos and San Bartholomew rivers—a zone vital to Nigeria’s maritime and economic interests.
The base maintains operational oversight of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Koluama and Naval Outpost Kulama, which enhance riverine and coastal security capabilities.
“FOB Koluama and Naval Outpost Kulama extend our operational coverage throughout Bayelsa’s waterways. We also maintain Naval Patrol and Security Stations at Kansan and Ezetu, strategically located at the Yon and Pennington river entrances,” Igwe stated.
Regarding counter-piracy and anti-militant activities, Igwe referenced multiple raids in critical areas, including a June 27, 2025 operation in Peremabiri community that led to one militant suspect’s arrest and the recovery of an HK machine gun with ammunition.
He observed that continuous naval operations have compelled oil theft networks to modify their methods, now using smaller boats for transporting stolen crude, though the Navy continues its efforts to disrupt these operations.
Addressing anti-kidnapping successes, Igwe referenced the March 7, 2025 kidnapping of a Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) official in Ayakoro community, where rapid naval intervention secured the victim’s safe release without ransom.
“Intelligence-driven operations in May 2025 resulted in one suspect’s arrest related to that incident, who was transferred for additional investigation,” he explained
The officer emphasized that media engagement has strengthened public trust, enhanced intelligence collection, and reduced community cooperation with criminal groups.
Nevertheless, he warned against uncontrolled social media coverage that could jeopardize active operations, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to maintaining maritime security throughout Bayelsa State.
Igwe advocated for enhanced media cooperation and community partnerships to strengthen early warning mechanisms and intelligence networks in combating oil theft, piracy, and related maritime criminal activities.
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