The fight against crude oil theft in Nigeria’s oil-producing region has recorded another breakthrough after the Nigerian Navy destroyed about 17,500 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen in Rivers State.
The discovery was made during an anti-bunkering operation conducted in the Bonny axis of the state.
According to naval authorities, the illegal petroleum product had been hidden in pits dug within the creeks and covered with thick vegetation to avoid detection.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, in a statement detailing the success of the latest operation targeting crude oil theft networks operating in the Niger Delta.
Folorunsho explained that the raid formed part of ongoing enforcement activities under Operation Delta Sentinel, a security initiative designed to tackle illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes affecting Nigeria’s oil sector.
According to the Navy spokesman, personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base Bonny made the discovery during a routine surveillance patrol in the Opotumbi general area.
He noted that the location of the illegal storage facility was identified through advanced maritime monitoring technology deployed by the Navy.
The surveillance system reportedly detected suspicious ground disturbances within the swampy terrain, prompting further investigation by naval operatives.
Upon reaching the site, the patrol team uncovered four dugout pits used to store crude oil believed to have been siphoned illegally from pipelines.
Combined, the pits contained about 17,500 litres of petroleum product suspected to be linked to crude oil theft activities.
The pits had been strategically concealed beneath dense foliage, a common tactic used by oil thieves to hide stolen products until they can be transported or processed at illegal refining sites.
Following the discovery, naval personnel immediately destroyed the contents of the pits in accordance with operational guidelines governing anti-bunkering activities.
Folorunsho stated that the recovered petroleum product was disposed of at the location to prevent it from re-entering the illegal market.
Such measures, he explained, are part of the Navy’s standard response to crude oil theft and illegal bunkering operations across Nigeria’s waterways.
The destruction of the seized crude oil highlights the Navy’s determination to disrupt the supply chain that sustains illegal oil activities in the region.
The Navy spokesman also revealed that the operation was carried out in line with directives issued by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas.
According to him, the naval chief recently instructed formations and operational units to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
These renewed instructions have reportedly led to increased patrols, surveillance missions, and coordinated enforcement actions in oil-producing communities.
Oil theft has long remained a major challenge in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, costing the country billions of dollars in lost revenue annually.
Criminal groups often tap pipelines, siphon crude oil, and store the product in hidden locations before transporting it to illegal refineries or black-market buyers.
Authorities believe that sustained military operations and improved monitoring systems are helping reduce these activities.
Folorunsho emphasized that the latest success demonstrates the Navy’s renewed momentum in confronting crude oil theft and other maritime crimes threatening national economic security.
He added that the Navy will continue to strengthen surveillance operations, sustain regular patrols across coastal waters, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.
According to him, these efforts are necessary to protect critical national assets and ensure that Nigeria’s maritime resources are safeguarded from criminal exploitation.
Ireport247news
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