The Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site discovered within the operational area of the Forward Operating Base Bonny in Rivers State. The action forms part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities across the Niger Delta region.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the illegal facility was uncovered during a surveillance operation carried out by naval personnel in the Opotumbi general area. The discovery was made under Operation Delta Sentinel, a special operation aimed at protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and economic resources.
Folorunsho revealed that the illegal storage location contained four dug out pits filled with products suspected to be stolen crude oil. The total volume of the substance recovered at the site was estimated at about 17500 litres. The pits were carefully concealed in an attempt to avoid detection by security operatives.
He explained that the operation followed a directive issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who instructed naval commands to intensify actions against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes. The directive was part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Navy to safeguard the nation’s oil resources and prevent economic sabotage.
Naval personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base Bonny carried out the destruction of the illegal storage facility in line with operational procedures. The Navy noted that dismantling such facilities helps disrupt the network of illegal oil bunkering operations that continue to affect oil production and revenue in the region.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining surveillance operations and working with other security agencies to eliminate illegal refining and crude oil theft. Authorities also warned individuals involved in such criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
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