The Nigerian Navy’s heightened fight against crimes including oil theft, smuggling, and pipeline vandalism, in the Niger Delta region has been linked to the increase in the nation’s crude oil production lately.
According to the Nigerian Navy, its consistent efforts during the course of Operation DELTA SENTINEL led to a surge in Nigeria’s crude oil production to 1.735 million barrels per day in June 2026, putting the nation past its quota by OPEC.
This figure, according to Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, is Nigeria’s highest record of crude production since April 2020.
According to Folorunsho, more than 580 naval operations were conducted by the Navy in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, and Lagos States from April to June 2026.
He revealed that these operations resulted in the retrieval of more than 4.7 million litres of crude oil that had been stolen and illegal petroleum products, the arrest of more than 91 suspects, and the destruction of more than 48 illegal refineries.
Folorunsho further revealed that some naval operations resulted in the interception of boats used in stealing crude oil.
He brought to attention the arrests made against three motor tankers, MKPODU, WESTAF, and STELIOS K, due to their alleged participation in the stealing of crude oil amounting to over 900 metric tonnes.
The Nigerian Navy stated that they would be working together with other security agencies to secure oil installations, frustrate any illegal activity, as well as assist the Federal Government achieve its goal of producing 2.5 million barrels of crude oil daily by the year 2027.
