The Nigerian Navy has successfully thwarted an attempt by oil thieves to exploit an abandoned oil well at Oke-Agor-Isekun, an island near the Ogun and Ondo states boundary.
Commander of the Naval Base in Epe, Lagos State, Navy Captain Solomon Ohunenese, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was based on intelligence received from the Ogun State Government.
According to the statement, the abandoned well had become a target for oil thieves and criminal elements, leading to concerns over the rising menace of oil theft in Nigeria. “On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Naval Base Epe received credible intelligence regarding an abandoned oil well situated near the boundary between Ogun and Ondo States. Acting promptly, our personnel, in collaboration with Ogun State officials, conducted a joint operation at the site,” the statement read.
The Nigerian oil sector has long been plagued by theft and pipeline vandalism, costing the country billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. Illegal crude oil siphoning has led to severe economic losses, environmental degradation, and security challenges in oil-producing regions.
The stolen crude is often refined illegally or sold on the black market, exacerbating Nigeria’s financial struggles.
The Navy stated that the oil well at Oke-Agor-Isekun had been abandoned for years, making it an easy target for illegal activities. “Further intelligence revealed that the site had attracted the attention of oil thieves and other criminal elements. The consequences of these activities are significant and highly detrimental to the economic prosperity of the country,” Ohunenese noted.
Oil spills from crude theft and illegal refining also pose serious environmental risks, contaminating water bodies, destroying farmlands, and endangering the livelihoods of local communities. The Navy’s swift action at Oke-Agor-Isekun underscores its commitment to tackling oil-related crimes and protecting Nigeria’s energy resources.
As part of its response, the Navy has cordoned off the abandoned well to prevent further illegal activities. Authorities have also called for improved surveillance and security measures to address the growing issue of oil theft across the country.
