Nigerian Navy Recovers 104,000 Litres of Stolen Crude

The Nigerian Navy has successfully halted the expansion of an illegal refining network in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, recovering approximately 104,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. This operation was conducted under Operation Delta Sentinel and reflects the Navy's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, stated that personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny executed the operation based on credible intelligence regarding criminal activities in the Wakama/Bolo and Aworkiri communities. The operation resulted in the discovery of nine illegal refining sites, which included 23 dugout pits, with 18 containing the recovered crude oil.

Additionally, five newly excavated pits were neutralized before becoming operational. The Navy also seized eight locally fabricated refining pots and three large storage tanks, significantly diminishing the criminal network's refining capacity.

All recovered items were managed according to anti-crude oil theft procedures, emphasizing the Navy's ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal refining operations.