The Nigerian Navy has uncovered an estimated 132,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Allison community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, in a fresh operation targeting crude oil theft and illegal petroleum storage in the Niger Delta.
The discovery was made on October 22 by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Bonny, under Operation Delta Sentinel, following actionable intelligence.
A statement issued on October 23 by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, said the operation led to the discovery of 10 dugout pits containing the suspected stolen crude oil.
The Navy said the operation disrupted a potential storage point within the illicit petroleum supply chain, adding that the site and recovered products were handled in accordance with existing regulations.
According to the statement, “the operation reinforces the importance of intelligence-led action in identifying concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupting the infrastructure that enables crude oil theft and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products.”
The Navy said it would sustain efforts to identify and dismantle illegal refining facilities and disrupt networks involved in crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.
It also called on community leaders, residents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to provide timely information on crude oil theft, illegal refining, suspicious petroleum storage and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products.
“Timely credible information can enable swift intervention and prevent illicit activities from expanding,” the statement added.
The Navy stressed that protecting Nigeria’s petroleum assets required sustained cooperation between security agencies and host communities.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
