Navy destroys illegal oil storage site in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site containing about 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in the Bonny area of Rivers State.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Folorunsho said the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel.

Folorunsho said the action followed directives by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the nation’s maritime domain.

He said personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered the illegal storage facility within the Opotumbi general area during surveillance operations.

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He noted that the discovery was made possible through Navy’s maritime surveillance technology which detected concealed dugout pits hidden under thick vegetation in the creeks.

Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

Folorunsho added that the Nigerian Navy would continue to sustain patrols, enhance surveillance, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests within the maritime environment.

The Star