The Nigerian Navy says it has destroyed an illegal storage site containing about 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in the Bonny area of Rivers State.

The director of naval information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel.

Mr Folorunsho said the action followed the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas’ directives to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and bunkering across the nation’s maritime domain.

He said personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered an illegal storage facility in the Opotumbi general area during surveillance operations.

Mr Folorunsho explained that the discovery was made possible by the navy’s maritime surveillance technology, which detected concealed dugout pits beneath thick vegetation along the creeks.

He added, “FOB Bonny elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered four dugout pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.

“The recovered products were subsequently destroyed in accordance with extant operational guidelines.”

Mr Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the navy’s renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

He added that the service would continue to sustain patrols, enhance surveillance, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests within the maritime environment.

(NAN)