By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 93,000 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen during an operation targeting crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, conducted on August 20, 2026, by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, followed actionable intelligence on suspected illegal crude oil storage activities around Allison Community.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the discovery of 10 dugout pits, five of which contained an estimated 93,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The remaining five pits were found filled with water, while a substantial quantity of hoses believed to have been used for the movement and transfer of crude oil was also recovered at the site.
The Navy said the recovered products, dugout pits and associated materials were handled in accordance with established operational procedures.
It added that the operation had effectively disrupted suspected crude oil theft activities by denying criminal elements access to facilities and materials required to sustain the illicit trade.
The latest operation, the Navy said, underscores its continued pressure on infrastructure supporting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and demonstrates its commitment to dismantling networks involved in the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The Service reaffirmed its resolve to sustain Operation DELTA SENTINEL as part of efforts to protect critical national assets, safeguard the country’s oil and gas infrastructure and prevent economic saboteurs from operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
