Navy Recovers 39,500 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Bonny

The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, was conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny following credible intelligence on illegal crude oil storage activities around the Okpokiri Community.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said its Anti-Crude Oil Theft Team uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden within the creek environment during the operation, prompting a thorough ground assessment.

The statement disclosed that the patrol team discovered four dugout pits, comprising one large pit and three medium-sized ones. Three of the pits contained an estimated 39,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil, while the fourth pit was filled with water.

According to the Navy, the discovery underscores the continued use of hidden storage facilities by crude oil theft syndicates to stockpile stolen crude oil before transporting it through illegal distribution channels.

Additionally, it's  noted that dismantling such storage sites is part of ongoing efforts to weaken the logistics network supporting crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.

The statement added that the illegal storage facility and the recovered products were handled in line with established operational procedures, while surveillance has been intensified in the area to prevent the re-establishment of similar illegal facilities.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL aimed at dismantling crude oil theft networks, safeguarding critical national assets, and supporting Nigeria's economic security.