Nigerian Navy cracks down on illegal Refinery, seizes 19,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny, Rivers State, has dismantled an illegal oil refinery and confiscated approximately 19,000 liters of stolen crude oil. This operation took place in the Peterside Community, within the Bonny local government area, and reflects the Navy’s intensifying crackdown on oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

Lt. Commander Sirajo Almustapha, the Base Operations Officer at FOB Bonny, disclosed the details to journalists on Thursday, affirming that the raid was executed in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Acting on credible intelligence, the Navy deployed a tactical anti-oil theft unit, which conducted reconnaissance and surveillance before storming the illegal refining site hidden behind the Peterside Community.

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At the location, officers uncovered a functional illegal refining camp equipped with two cooking tanks, two storage tanks, plastic containers, a large water tank, and a dug-out pit used for storing stolen crude. Preliminary assessments revealed that one of the storage tanks contained roughly 5,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil, while the containers and pit held an additional 2,000 liters.

The Navy promptly shut down the facility and launched a full investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting those behind the operation. As the team withdrew, they discovered a large wooden boat, concealed near the community’s entrance, carrying about 2,000 liters of what was believed to be stolen crude oil. The vessel was seized immediately.

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Earlier the same day, around 12:30 a.m, FOB Bonny operatives stationed at Maritime Guard Post 2 in the Oputumbi area intercepted another large wooden boat during a separate intelligence-driven operation. The vessel, found near the Owokpo axis, was loaded with an estimated 10,000 liters of stolen crude oil and was confiscated on the spot.

These back-to-back operations bring the total amount of intercepted stolen crude oil to nearly 19,000 liters, showcasing the Navy’s renewed offensive against oil theft syndicates operating in the region.

Lt. Commander Almustapha reiterated the Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil assets, warning those involved in oil bunkering to abandon the illegal trade or face the full wrath of the law. He also assured stakeholders in the maritime industry that the Navy remains fully dedicated to maintaining secure and crime-free waterways for businesses and commuters alike.