Navy dismantles crude oil theft network in Rivers, recovers 93,000 litres

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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The Nigerian Navy, in its ongoing efforts to disrupt crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities under Operation Delta Sentinel, has discovered and deactivated suspected crude oil storage infrastructure containing approximately 93,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Allison Community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

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Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation was conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny on August 20, 2026, following actionable intelligence on suspected illegal crude oil storage activities in the area.

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He said the operation led to the discovery of 10 dugout pits, five of which contained an estimated 93,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the remaining five were filled with water.

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“ A substantial quantity of hoses associated with the movement and transfer of crude oil was also discovered within the area,” he said.

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According to him, the recovered products, dugout pits and associated materials were handled in accordance with established operational procedures.

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He said the operation had effectively disrupted suspected crude oil theft activities and denied criminal elements access to facilities and materials required to sustain the illicit trade.

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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.

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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,” he said.

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Folorunsho said 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.

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