Nigerian Navy Destroys Illegal Crude Oil Storage Site in Rivers
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site in the Bonny area of Rivers State as part of intensified operations to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel, followed a directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s maritime resources.
According to the Director of Naval Information, A. A. Folorunsho, personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered the illegal facility during surveillance operations within the Opotumbi general area.
Folorunsho explained that the naval unit deployed the Navy’s maritime surveillance technology to detect concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation within the creeks.
“FOB Bonny elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered four dug-out pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil,” he said.
He added that the recovered products were subsequently destroyed in line with existing operational guidelines.
The Navy said the development demonstrates renewed momentum in the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, noting that continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance and inter-agency collaboration remain critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and critical national assets within the maritime domain.
Operation Delta Sentinel is part of ongoing security efforts by the Nigerian Navy to curb illegal bunkering activities across the Niger Delta region.
