By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has secured the conviction and sentencing of nine persons arrested for crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State, in a development it described as a boost to the fight against economic sabotage.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the nine convicts were sentenced by the Federal High Court, Uyo, on September 14, 2026, to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and 10 years’ imprisonment on Count Two, without the option of a fine.
The suspects were arrested by the Nigerian Navy on February 7, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation while allegedly stealing crude oil from an oil wellhead identified as ASABO-D in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Navy said the conviction underscored the importance of effective prosecution and judicial determination in ensuring that arrests made during anti-crude oil theft operations translate into accountability and deterrence.
The Service disclosed that its intensified campaign against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage under Operation DELTA SENTINEL had resulted in the dismantling of more than 241 illegal refining sites, disruption of criminal networks, recovery of over 6.44 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, and arrest of more than 230 suspects since the operation commenced in January 2026.
The Navy attributed the operational gains to the strategic leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, particularly his emphasis on intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration and enhanced maritime domain awareness.
It said the efforts were also in support of the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.
The Navy commended the Judiciary for the judgement and appreciated the Department of State Services for its professionalism in ensuring the successful conclusion of the case.
It also called for the accelerated adjudication of pending crude oil theft cases, stressing that timely convictions were necessary to strengthen deterrence, uphold accountability and protect the nation’s oil and gas resources.
The Service warned individuals and organised criminal groups involved in crude oil theft to desist, while urging host communities and other law-abiding citizens to provide credible information on activities threatening critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against economic saboteurs and strengthening collaboration with the Judiciary, sister Services, security agencies and other stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and critical national assets.
