The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal oil refining operation in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, recovering more than 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Acting Director of Naval Information, confirmed the operation on Friday, March 27, in Abuja.
He explained that the raid was conducted by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny under Operation Delta Sentinel.
“The operation was based on credible intelligence regarding illegal refining activities in Allison Community, Bonny,” Folorunsho said, adding that “Our anti-crude oil theft patrol team was deployed and discovered an active illegal refining site.”
According to Folorunsho, the site contained dugout pits, makeshift cooking and cooling systems, and numerous sacks filled with what appeared to be stolen crude oil.
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“Further assessment revealed over 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil stored at the facility. The refining infrastructure was dismantled according to standard operational procedures, while the operators fled upon the arrival of naval personnel,” he added.
He noted that the operation demonstrates the Navy’s ongoing commitment to tackling crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
“This mission aligns with directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to strengthen intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure,” Folorunsho said, adding that the effort also supports the Federal Government’s goal of achieving daily oil production of 2.5 million barrels.
The Navy reaffirmed its dedication to securing Nigeria’s energy resources and preventing illegal activities that threaten both the economy and national security in the region.
This approach ensures that the Niger Delta’s oil operations remain protected while contributing to the country’s broader energy production targets.