Navy
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered an estimated 132,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil during an operation in Allison community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, made the disclosure in an operational report issued on Friday, noting that the breakthrough has successfully disrupted a major storage point within the illicit petroleum supply chain in the Niger Delta.
According to Folorunsho, the recovery was executed on October 22 by troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY under the auspices of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following actionable intelligence.
A total of 10 dugout pits used for illegal storage were discovered during the operation.
“The site and recovered products were handled in accordance with extant regulations,” Folorunsho stated, adding that the successful raid underscores the critical role of intelligence-led action in identifying concealed stockpiles and dismantling infrastructure that fuels crude oil theft and the unauthorized movement of petroleum products.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to maritime security, the Navy spokesperson assured the public that the service will sustain aggressive operations to locate, dismantle illegal refining networks, and curtail oil theft across the region.
Folorunsho also appealed for stronger community participation, calling on traditional institutions, community leaders, residents, and key stakeholders to support security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious refining or storage activities.
“Timely, credible information can enable swift intervention and prevent illicit activities from expanding. Safeguarding the nation’s critical petroleum assets requires vigilance and active cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve,” he stressed, urging citizens to remain alert and support lawful efforts to protect national resources.
