The Nigerian Navy has made a significant discovery in Rivers State, uncovering 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil. The discovery was made by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY on Tuesday, during a follow-up operation based on actionable information concerning suspicious activities around Bethel Creeks. The operation marks another major disruption of illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities within the area.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation uncovered eight dugout pits, five of which contained the suspected stolen crude oil, while three were empty. Hoses associated with the movement of crude oil were also discovered and subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures. The naval spokesman disclosed that the latest discovery came barely two weeks after FOB BONNY uncovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at four newly activated refining sites around Aworkiri on Sept. 8.
The earlier operation also exposed 19 dugout pits and associated infrastructure, indicating attempts to establish facilities for the storage and handling of stolen crude oil. The successive discoveries highlight the navy’s expanding focus on denying criminal operators the storage and transfer infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft. The service is determined to prevent illicit activities from becoming re-established after previous disruptions.
The latest operation further constrains the availability of crude oil and supporting infrastructure for illegal exploitation within the area. The Nigerian Navy has been working to curb the theft of crude oil, which is a significant challenge to the country's economy. The navy has been conducting operations in various parts of the country to uncover and disrupt illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities.
The discovery of the 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil is a significant blow to those involved in the theft of crude oil. The navy’s efforts to prevent illicit activities from becoming re-established after previous disruptions are ongoing. The service is committed to protecting the country's resources and preventing the theft of crude oil.
The Nigerian Navy has been working to improve its operations and tactics to combat crude oil theft. The service has been using intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify and disrupt illicit activities. The navy has also been working with other agencies and stakeholders to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to combat crude oil theft.
The latest discovery by the Nigerian Navy highlights the ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft in the country. The service will continue to work to prevent illicit activities and protect the country's resources. The navy’s operations have resulted in significant discoveries of suspected stolen crude oil in recent weeks, demonstrating its commitment to tackling the issue.
Key points
- The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil stored in five dug out pits in Bethel Creeks in Rivers State.
- The operation marks another major disruption of illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities within the area.
- The navy’s efforts have resulted in significant discoveries of suspected stolen crude oil in recent weeks, demonstrating its commitment to tackling the issue.
