Nigerian Navy destroys illegal crude oil storage site, recovers 39,500 liters in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in Rivers State, destroying an illegal storage site and recovering approximately 39,500 liters of suspected stolen crude oil. The operation, conducted by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny, targeted concealed dugout pits within the Okpokiri Community.

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The discovery underscores the continued use of concealed storage facilities by crude oil theft syndicates to stockpile stolen crude pending evacuation through illegal distribution channels.

During the operation, Navy's Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team discovered four pits, one large and three medium-sized. Three of these pits contained the recovered crude oil, while the fourth was filled with water. This discovery highlights the continued use of hidden storage facilities by crude oil theft syndicates to stockpile stolen products before moving them through illegal distribution channels.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho stated that by targeting these storage facilities, the Nigerian Navy is actively disrupting the logistics network that fuels crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region. The recovered products and the illegal storage site were handled according to established procedures.

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By targeting such storage facilities, the Nigerian Navy is disrupting the logistics network that sustains crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.

Surveillance in the area has been increased to prevent the re-establishment of similar illegal operations. The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation Delta Sentinel to dismantle oil theft networks, safeguard critical national assets, and bolster Nigeria's economic security.

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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.