Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Refinery in Delta, Sparks Criticism of Pipeline Protection Firms
Vanessa 
The Nigerian Navy, as part of its ongoing Operation Delta Sanity, has successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal refinery in Gbaramatu, Delta State. On Tuesday, 15 April, personnel aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta located the illicit facility in Yeye Creek, Warri South Local Government Area.
The Discovery and Its Economic Implications
A statement shared via the Navy’s official Facebook account revealed that the illegal refinery contained 15 pits filled with stolen crude oil, along with large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The Navy emphasized that such operations pose a serious threat to national economic security and are part of the broader fight against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta region.
The Discovery and Its Economic Implications
The discovery has ignited heated discussions on social media, with many questioning the efficacy of private security companies contracted to protect oil infrastructure. One viral post highlighted Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a firm reportedly receiving significant government funding to secure pipelines, but which has faced accusations of failing to prevent oil theft.
A comment shared widely read: “This is the home of the Tantita boss who receives 4 billion Naira every month from the Federal Government to protect pipelines and stop crude oil bunkering. It’s a shame, the contract should be revoked since he has failed.”
Other users have called for a more inclusive approach, urging the government to employ former illegal refinery operators in legitimate jobs to address the economic desperation that fuels illegal refining. “Let Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited hire all the ex-local crude oil refinery operators and give them job slots. The boys have no jobs to do, and they suffer,” one user suggested in a social media post.
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing Operation Delta Sanity and intensifying efforts to secure the region’s vital oil assets.
