Nigerian Navy operatives
Nigerian Navy has uncovered a major illegal crude oil storage facility in Rivers State, recovering about 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil hidden inside eight dugout pits in Bethel Creeks, Ogu VI.
The operation was carried out on September 22 by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY after receiving credible intelligence on suspected illegal activities in the area.
According to the Navy, five of the eight dugout pits were filled with suspected stolen crude oil, while the remaining three were empty. Officers also discovered hoses believed to have been used to transfer crude oil between illegal storage locations. The recovered items were handled in line with operational procedures.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement, describing the discovery as part of ongoing efforts to tackle crude oil theft and protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.
The latest operation came less than two weeks after FOB BONNY uncovered about 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at four newly activated illegal refining sites in Aworkiri on September 8. That operation also led to the discovery of 19 dugout pits and other facilities used for storing and handling stolen crude.
With the two operations, the Navy has uncovered about 269,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in the area within a short period, dealing another setback to oil thieves operating in the creeks.
The discoveries also show that illegal oil theft networks rely not only on illegal refineries but also on hidden storage facilities and crude transfer routes to sustain their activities.
The Nigerian Navy has continued to intensify operations across the Niger Delta to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism, crimes that have continued to threaten Nigeria’s economy, reduce government revenue and damage the environment. Its sustained operations are aimed at safeguarding the nation’s critical oil infrastructure and improving energy security.
