The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its offensive against crude oil theft under Operation Delta Sentinel, uncovering an illegal crude oil storage facility and recovering approximately 39,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, announced on Wednesday that the operation was conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, after receiving credible intelligence on illegal activities around Okpokiri Community within the base’s operational jurisdiction.
According to him, the Navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden within the creek environment during the operation, leading to a comprehensive assessment of the location.
The operation resulted in the discovery of four dugout pits—one large and three medium-sized. Three of the pits contained an estimated 39,500 litres of substances suspected to be stolen crude oil, while the fourth was found filled with water.
Folorunsho said the discovery highlights the continued use of hidden storage facilities by crude oil theft syndicates to stockpile stolen crude before evacuation through illegal distribution channels.
He explained that by identifying and dismantling such storage facilities, the Nigerian Navy is weakening the logistics network that supports crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the illegal storage facility and the recovered products were handled in accordance with established operational procedures, while surveillance has been strengthened in the area to prevent the return of similar illegal sites.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle crude oil theft networks, protect critical national assets and support Nigeria’s economic security.
