AfriPulse
January 23, 2026 January 23, 2026
By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH on Wednesday disclosed that from January to date, it has deactivated over 12 boats, dismantled more than 15 illegal refining sites, and handled about 800,000 litres of suspected crude oil, over two million litres of adulterated crude, and 30,000 litres of products suspected to be AGO.
The Base Operations Officer, Lt.-Cmdr. E.C. Igwe, disclosed this during a media visit to the naval base led by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
Lt.-Cmdr. Igwe said NNS SOROH, operating under the Central Naval Command and Sector 2 of Operation DELTA SAFE, covers about 107 nautical miles, spanning from the Ramos River to the San Bartholomew River, protecting critical maritime infrastructure vital to Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, sustained naval operations have yielded tangible results in the fight against oil theft.
He explained that the base also exercises operational control over Forward Operating Base Koluama and Naval Outpost Kulama, which serve as force multipliers for riverine and coastal security operations.
Lt.-Cmdr. Igwe noted that sustained naval pressure has forced oil theft syndicates to change tactics by transporting smaller quantities with smaller boats, but stressed that the Navy remains determined to outmatch criminal elements.
On anti-piracy and anti-militancy operations, he disclosed that naval personnel conducted several raids across identified flashpoints, including a June 27, 2025 operation in Peremabiri community that resulted in the arrest of a suspected militant and the recovery of an HK machine gun and ammunition.
He also highlighted successes in anti-kidnapping operations, citing the March 7, 2025 abduction of a Niger Delta Development Commission official in Ayakoro community, where swift naval response forced the kidnappers to release the victim unharmed. He added that one suspect was arrested in May 2025 following intelligence-led operations and handed over for further investigation.
Beyond kinetic operations, Igwe said NNS SOROH has sustained non-kinetic engagements, including medical and educational outreach programmes, flood mitigation efforts, and peace-building initiatives among host communities.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining maritime security in Bayelsa State and called for stronger collaboration with the media and local communities to enhance early warning and intelligence gathering.
The media tour forms part of Defence Headquarters’ efforts to promote transparency and public awareness of military operations across the Niger Delta.
Source: Authorityngr.com | Read the Full Story…
