The Nigerian Navy has recorded a breakthrough in the fight against crude oil theft. Naval officers deactivated four illegal refining sites and seized 124,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Awokiri area of Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The operation was carried out on August 5, 2025, by the anti-crude oil theft team from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) Bonny.

Lieutenant Commander Siraj Almustapha, Operations Officer at NNFOB Bonny, said the team discovered the illegal sites at about 12:55 p.m. All four sites were located close to each other, stretching across a 150-meter area.

The swift response allowed the team to deactivate the sites and confiscate the stolen crude oil. This action aligns with the strategic objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

Discoveries During the Patrol

During the patrol, the team found four large open-top metal tanks positioned near the river mouth. Steel pipes connected the tanks to the illegal refining sites.

All four sites were active, with fresh stolen crude oil stored in dug-out pits and tanks.

In total, the team discovered:

• 12 dug-out pits, each containing about 5,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil
• 4 large metal storage tanks, each holding around 14,000 litres
• 4 cooking tanks, each filled with approximately 2,000 litres

They also found pumping machines, steel pipes, and hoses of various sizes. Altogether, the estimated volume of stolen crude oil at the site was 124,000 litres.

Security Measures and Public Advice

Lieutenant Commander Almustapha said the Base has begun new security measures to prevent criminal activities around the FOB Bonny area.

He advised those involved in illegal refining to abandon such activities and seek lawful means of livelihood.

“We are committed to ensuring that criminal elements do not operate freely in this area,” he said. “We urge them to stop these illegal acts and find better, legal ways to earn a living.”

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