…the naval team deployed an anti-crude oil theft patrol, which successfully traced and located the site.
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Nigerian Navy has recorded another significant operational breakthrough under Operation Delta Sentinel with the discovery and dismantling of an active illegal refining site in Allison Community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, where over 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were recovered.
The Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed on Thursday that the operation was executed by personnel of the Forward Operating Base Bonny under the Eastern Naval Command.
He explained that the success followed credible intelligence reports on illegal refining activities in the area. Acting promptly on the tip-off, the naval team deployed an anti-crude oil theft patrol, which successfully traced and located the site.
At the location, operatives discovered dugout pits, makeshift cooking and cooling systems, and sacks filled with substances believed to be stolen crude oil. Further checks showed that the facility contained more than 20,000 litres of the suspected product.
The Navy stated that the illegal refining equipment and recovered items were handled in line with standard operational procedures, while those behind the operation fled upon sighting the patrol team.
It added that the operation underscores its sustained crackdown on crude oil theft, illegal refining, and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The Navy also noted that the raid aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, who has urged commanders to intensify intelligence-led operations to protect vital oil infrastructure and support the Federal Government’s goal of achieving 2.5 million barrels of daily oil production by 2026.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Navy stressed that operations under Operation Delta Sentinel will continue across the maritime domain and the wider Niger Delta to curb oil theft and safeguard the nation’s economy.
