Operatives of the Nigerian Navy under Operation Delta Sentinel have dismantled an illegal crude oil storage site within the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny area of operations in Rivers State.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, who said the naval operatives discovered four dug-out pits containing a total of 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
Folorunsho explained that the operation followed a directive issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, aimed at intensifying efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the country’s maritime environment.
He said, “Following the directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Nigerian Navy has intensified its efforts under Operation Delta Sentinel.
‘As part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering under Operation Delta Sentinel, the Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site within the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny Area of Operations in Rivers State.
“The unit, leveraging the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Surveillance technology, uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation within creeks in the Opotumbi general area.
“FOB Bonny elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered 4 dug-out pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“The recovered products were subsequently destroyed in accordance with extant operational guidelines.
“This move demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s renewed momentum in combating crude oil theft and maritime crimes.
“The momentum emphasizes continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and Nigeria’s economic interests in Nigeria’s maritime environment.”
The Navy noted that the operation forms part of sustained security activities designed to tackle oil theft and other maritime crimes threatening Nigeria’s economic stability.
What you should know
Nigerian Navy launched Operation Delta Sentinel to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta region.
Oil theft has long been a major economic challenge for Nigeria, leading to significant revenue losses and environmental damage.
Through surveillance technology, patrol operations, and cooperation with other security agencies, the Navy aims to secure critical oil infrastructure and protect the country’s maritime resources.
