The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, uncovering an illegal storage site and recovering approximately 39,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers State.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, was executed by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, following credible intelligence on illicit activities around Okpokiri Community in Bonny Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team discovered concealed dugout pits used by oil theft syndicates to store stolen crude.
A detailed assessment of the site revealed four dugout pits—one large and three medium-sized. Three of the pits contained an estimated 39,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the fourth was filled with water.
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Folorunsho noted that the discovery highlights the continued use of hidden storage facilities by criminal networks to stockpile stolen crude before transporting it through illegal distribution channels.
He emphasized that by targeting such storage hubs, the Navy is actively dismantling the logistics systems that sustain crude oil theft in the region.
The recovered products and the illegal storage facility were handled in line with established operational procedures, while surveillance in the area has been heightened to prevent the re-emergence of similar activities.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks, safeguarding critical national assets, and supporting Nigeria’s economic stability,” the statement added.
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