Navy Dismantles Crude Oil Theft Network in Rivers, Recovers 93,000 Liters

The Nigerian Navy has successfully disrupted crude oil theft operations in Rivers State, dismantling a suspected storage infrastructure and recovering a significant quantity of illegally obtained crude oil. The operation, part of the ongoing "Operation Delta Sentinel," was carried out by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

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A substantial quantity of hoses associated with the movement and transfer of crude oil was also discovered within the area.

Acting on actionable intelligence, naval personnel raided the Allison Community in Bonny Local Government Area on August 20, 2026. They discovered and deactivated 10 dugout pits. Five of these pits contained an estimated 93,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil, while the other five were filled with water. A substantial amount of hoses used for transferring crude oil was also found at the site.

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The latest success underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained operational pressure against the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, stated that the recovered products, pits, and associated materials were handled according to established procedures. He emphasized that the operation effectively halted suspected crude oil theft activities and denied criminal elements the necessary facilities to sustain their illicit trade.

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It further demonstrates the Service’s commitment to identifying and disrupting the networks that facilitate the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.

Folorunsho highlighted that this latest success underscores the Nigerian Navy's persistent operational pressure against the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. He affirmed the service's commitment to identifying and dismantling the networks responsible for the illegal exploitation of Nigeria's natural resources. The navy reiterated its resolve to maintain Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical national assets and safeguard the nation's oil and gas infrastructure.

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The Nigerian Navy remained resolute in sustaining Operation Delta Sentinel to protect critical national assets, safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure and deny economic saboteurs the freedom to operate within the nation’s maritime environment.