The Nigerian Navy has made a significant discovery in Bethel Creeks, Rivers State, uncovering approximately 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil. This find was made by FOB BONNY on 22 September 2026 during a follow-up operation based on actionable information concerning suspicious activities around the creeks. The operation was a major disruption of illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities within the area.
According to Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director, Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, the operation uncovered 8 dugout pits, 5 of which contained the suspected stolen crude oil, while 3 were empty. Hoses associated with the movement of crude oil were also discovered and subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures. This discovery highlights the Nigerian Navy's efforts to combat crude oil theft in the region.
This is not an isolated incident, as the Nigerian Navy's FOB BONNY uncovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at 4 newly activated illegal refining sites around Aworkiri on 8 September 2026. 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 demonstrate the Nigerian Navy's expanding focus on denying criminal operators the storage and transfer infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft. By disrupting these activities, the Navy aims to prevent illicit crude oil exploitation in the region. The latest operation further constrains the availability of crude oil and supporting infrastructure for illegal activities.
The Nigerian Navy's efforts to combat crude oil theft have been ongoing, with a series of operations aimed at disrupting illicit activities in the region. The Navy's strategy involves identifying and dismantling infrastructure used for stolen crude oil storage and transfer. This approach has led to significant discoveries, including the recent find in Bethel Creeks.
The impact of these discoveries on the region's crude oil theft activities is significant, as it limits the ability of criminal operators to store and transfer stolen crude oil. The Nigerian Navy's continued efforts to monitor and disrupt these activities will likely lead to further discoveries and a reduction in crude oil theft.
The Nigerian Navy's operations in Rivers State are part of a broader effort to secure the region and prevent economic crimes. The Navy's actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting the country's natural resources and preventing crude oil theft. The discoveries made by the Navy will likely lead to further investigations and actions against those involved in crude oil theft.
Key points
- The Nigerian Navy uncovered 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Bethel Creeks, Rivers State.
- The operation was a follow-up to previous discoveries, including 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil found in Aworkiri on 8 September 2026.
- The Nigerian Navy's efforts aim to deny criminal operators infrastructure for crude oil theft and prevent illicit activities in the region.
