Nigerian Navy destroys illegal crude oil storage in Bonny, Rivers State, seizing and disposing of 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil

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

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The operation, conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel, was carried out following directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the country’s maritime domain.

Personnel from Forward Operating Base Bonny uncovered the facility in the Opotumbi area using maritime surveillance technology, which detected concealed dugout pits under dense creek vegetation.

Four pits were discovered, containing the cumulative 17,500 litres of crude oil, which were destroyed according to operational guidelines.

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Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation demonstrates the Navy’s renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime assets, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.