By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has uncovered an estimated 132,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in Allison community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, disrupting a potential storage point within the illicit petroleum supply chain.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director, Naval Information, Nigerian Navy.
The discovery was made on 22 October 2026 by Forward Operating Base BONNY under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following actionable intelligence. The operation uncovered 10 dugout pits. The site and recovered products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
The operation reinforces the importance of intelligence-led action in identifying concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupting the infrastructure that enables crude oil theft and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products.
The Nigerian Navy said it will sustain efforts to locate and dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt the networks facilitating crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.
The Navy called on community leaders, residents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to promptly report crude oil theft, illegal refining, suspicious petroleum storage and unauthorised movement of petroleum products to the nearest security agency.
“Timely credible information can enable swift intervention and prevent illicit activities from expanding,” the Navy said.
“Safeguarding the nation’s critical petroleum assets requires vigilance and active cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve. The Navy therefore urges the public to remain alert and support lawful efforts to protect national resources.”
