The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal crude oil storage facility in Rivers State, destroying about 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude discovered in the Bonny area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, who said the operation formed part of the Navy’s ongoing anti-crude oil theft campaign under Operation Delta Sentinel.
According to Folorunsho, the operation followed directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to intensify the crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Naval personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base in Bonny reportedly uncovered the illegal storage site during routine surveillance operations in the Opotumbi general area.
The discovery was made possible through the Navy’s maritime surveillance technology, which detected concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation in the creeks.
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Folorunsho explained that naval operatives immediately moved into the area after identifying the suspicious location.
“FOB Bonny personnel acted swiftly at the site and discovered four dugout pits containing a total of 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil,” he said.
He added that the recovered crude oil was destroyed at the site in line with established operational procedures of the Nigerian Navy.
The Navy described the operation as part of its renewed effort to curb crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes that continue to threaten Nigeria’s economic assets.
Folorunsho further stated that the service will sustain patrols, strengthen maritime surveillance, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies to protect critical oil infrastructure and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.
