Navy Wipes Out Major Illegal Oil Storage in Rivers, Seizes 17,500 Litres of Stolen Crude

 

The Nigerian Navy has successfully destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site in the Bonny area of Rivers State, dealing a significant blow to oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.

The operation, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, was carried out by Special Boat operatives within the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny Area of Operations. Naval personnel discovered four dug-out pits containing a total of approximately 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. The site was promptly dismantled and destroyed to prevent further economic sabotage and environmental damage.

This action aligns with directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to intensify efforts against maritime crimes, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering, thereby safeguarding Nigeria's critical economic assets in the region.

The Nigerian Navy continues to ramp up surveillance and enforcement in the Niger Delta to curb such illicit operations.

Folorunsho added, “FOB Bonny elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered four dugout pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. 

“The recovered products were subsequently destroyed in accordance with extant operational guidelines.” 

Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and other maritime crimes. 

He added that the service would continue to sustain patrols, enhance surveillance and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests within the maritime environment.