The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State, recovering about 24,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Bonny Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under Operation Delta Sentinel, followed intelligence about attempts by suspected oil thieves to establish illegal connections to oil infrastructure around the Bethel Community axis.
The Navy said its personnel uncovered an illegal refining site, two pits containing approximately 24,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and several hoses allegedly installed to facilitate crude oil theft.
“The illegal facilities and associated materials were subsequently handled in accordance with extant regulations,” the Navy said.
It added that the operation had disrupted an emerging crude oil theft network before it became fully operational.
In a separate operation, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder intercepted a speedboat carrying about 17,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along the Onne/Okrika waterways.
The Navy’s Director of Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal petroleum activities within the area.
“The recovered speedboat and the suspected illegally refined AGO were handled in accordance with extant anti-crude oil theft procedures, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those connected with the illegal activity,” he said.
Folorunsho said the latest operations demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to disrupting the illicit petroleum supply chain and protecting the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to combat crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage, while safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and supporting national economic security,” he said.
