The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and dismantled an illegal crude oil storage facility in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering approximately 20,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during a targeted operation.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under Operation Delta Sentinel, following credible intelligence.
The operatives raided the Bethel Community axis, where they uncovered six concealed dugout pits used for storing suspected stolen crude oil. Three of the pits contained an estimated 20,500 litres of crude, while the remaining three had been prepared for future storage, indicating a well-organised illegal oil storage network.
Folorunsho said the recovered products and illegal storage facility were handled in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively denying criminal elements another logistics base for illicit operations.
He noted that the Navy’s ongoing strategy focuses on dismantling the infrastructure that supports crude oil theft, rather than only intercepting stolen products in transit. By disrupting storage facilities and supply chains, the service aims to weaken criminal syndicates, protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, and strengthen the country’s economic security.
The Navy also warned individuals involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining to desist, stressing that offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to combat oil theft, protect the nation’s maritime environment, and safeguard critical national resources.
