The Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site in the Bonny axis of Rivers State as part of its ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
The operation was carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a maritime security initiative aimed at protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and curbing economic sabotage in coastal communities.
According to a press statement issued by the Naval Spokesman, Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho, the action followed a directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft across the nation’s maritime domain.
Folorunsho said the naval personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered the illegal storage site during surveillance operations within the Opotumbi general area.
He explained that the naval unit relied on the Nigerian Navy’s maritime surveillance technology to track suspicious activities in the creeks before locating concealed dug-out pits hidden under dense vegetation.
According to the statement, “Following the directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Nigerian Navy has intensified its efforts under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.”
The spokesman added that, “The ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering under Operation DELTA SENTINEL has begun to yield gains, as the Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site within the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY Area of Operations in Rivers State.”
He further disclosed that the illegal facility contained large quantities of suspected stolen crude oil stored in makeshift pits.
“The naval unit leveraging the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Surveillance technology, uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation within creeks in the Opotumbi general area,” the statement read.
Folorunsho said naval operatives immediately mobilised to the location and made significant discoveries.
“FOB BONNY elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered 4 x dug-out 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,” he stated.
The Navy said the latest operation underscores its renewed determination to dismantle illegal oil bunkering networks operating within the Niger Delta creeks.
Folorunsho stressed that the service would sustain aggressive patrols and surveillance to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests and critical maritime assets.
“This move demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s renewed momentum in combating crude oil theft and maritime crimes, emphasising continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and Nigeria’s economic interests in Nigeria’s maritime environment,” he added.
The Navy also called for continued cooperation from members of the public and stakeholders in reporting suspicious activities in coastal and riverine communities.