The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 20,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil after uncovering an illegal storage facility in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The discovery was made during an intelligence-led operation conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

According to the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, operatives raided the Bethel Community area following credible intelligence and uncovered six concealed dugout pits used for storing crude oil. Three of the pits contained about 20,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the remaining three had been prepared for future use.

The Navy said the arrangement of the site indicated it served as a well-organised logistics hub supporting illegal refining activities and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Folorunsho stated that the recovered products and the illegal storage facility were handled in accordance with established anti-crude oil theft procedures, effectively preventing the site from being used for further illicit operations.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage. He also warned individuals engaged in illegal oil-related activities to desist, stressing that offenders would be identified and prosecuted.

The operation underscores the Navy’s continued efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure and combat crude oil theft across the Niger Delta. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.