Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering about 93,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during an operation in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny on August 20, followed credible intelligence on illegal crude oil storage activities around Allison Community.

According to the Nigerian Navy, operatives discovered 10 dugout pits at the site, with five containing an estimated 93,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the remaining five were filled with water.

The operatives also recovered a large quantity of hoses believed to have been used for the movement and transfer of crude oil within the illegal facility.

The Navy said the recovered products, dugout pits and other associated materials were handled in line with established operational procedures, effectively dismantling the illegal storage network and disrupting the activities of suspected oil thieves.

It noted that the latest operation highlights the Service's sustained offensive against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in the illicit exploitation of the nation's oil resources.

The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL to protect Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure, safeguard critical national assets and deny economic saboteurs the opportunity to operate within the country's maritime environment.

The statement was signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.