The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant breakthrough in its anti-oil theft operations, uncovering and shutting down an illegal refining site in Bonny Local Government Area with the recovery of over 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
Intelligence-Driven Raid
The operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, following credible intelligence on illicit refining activities in Allison Community.
Spokesman of the Navy, Abiodun Folorunsho, said the anti-crude oil theft patrol team acted swiftly on the tip-off and successfully located the illegal facility.
“The site contained dugout pits, locally fabricated cooking and cooling systems, and sacks filled with substances suspected to be stolen crude oil,” he disclosed.
Major Seizure, Suspects Flee
A detailed assessment showed the site held more than 20,000 litres of crude oil, highlighting the scale of illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta.
While the facility was dismantled and the products handled in line with operational guidelines, suspects reportedly fled upon sighting naval operatives.
Sustained Crackdown on Oil Theft
The Navy described the raid as part of its ongoing offensive against crude oil theft and economic sabotage, which continue to impact Nigeria’s oil output and revenue.
The operation aligns with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, mandating intensified intelligence-led missions to protect critical oil infrastructure.
Boosting National Oil Targets
Authorities say the crackdown is also aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s ambition to ramp up oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2026.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks, vowing that operations will continue across the maritime domain and the wider Niger Delta to curb oil theft and restore economic stability.
