The Digest:
The Nigerian Navy has seized 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and destroyed an illegal refinery in the Niger Delta as part of intensified operations against oil theft. Director of Information Abiodun Folorunsho disclosed that naval personnel under Operation Delta Sentinel conducted the operation within Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny Area of Operations in Rivers State. Operatives tracked suspected oil thieves for several weeks using maritime surveillance technology, uncovering concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation in creeks around the Opotumbi general area. The recovered products were destroyed in line with operational guidelines. The operation follows directives from Chief of Naval Staff Idi Abbas to intensify operations against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, demonstrating the Navy's renewed commitment to combating maritime crimes in the region.
Key Points:
- Navy seizes 17,500 litres of stolen crude, destroys illegal refinery.
- Operation in Bonny, Rivers State under Operation Delta Sentinel.
- Weeks of surveillance using maritime technology led to discovery.
- Concealed pits hidden under vegetation in Opotumbi creeks.
- Products destroyed as Navy intensifies anti-oil theft campaign.
Sources: Nigerian Navy Statement
