The Nigerian Navy has disrupted a suspected crude oil theft network in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, discovering and deactivating 10 illegal crude oil storage pits and recovering about 93,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny on Aug. 20 under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following actionable intelligence on suspected illegal crude oil storage activities around Allison Community.
During the operation, naval personnel discovered 10 dugout pits allegedly used for crude oil storage. Five of the pits contained an estimated 93,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the remaining five were filled with water.
Personnel also recovered a substantial quantity of hoses believed to have been used for the movement and transfer of crude oil.
The recovered products, dugout pits and associated materials were handled in accordance with established operational procedures, effectively disrupting the suspected illegal operation and denying the perpetrators access to infrastructure and materials used to sustain crude oil theft.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation reflects sustained operational pressure against criminal networks and infrastructure supporting crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities across the Niger Delta.
It added that Operation DELTA SENTINEL would continue to target facilities and networks involved in the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources, while protecting critical national assets and oil and gas infrastructure.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to denying economic saboteurs the freedom to operate within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
