Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Navy has thwarted a major crude oil theft operation in Bonny, Rivers State, saving the nation millions in oil revenue as it dismantled an illegal refinery and intercepted over 19,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bonny, Lt Cdr Sirajo Almustapha, disclosed the operation q, noting that it was executed in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Almustapha said the operatives uncovered an active illegal refining site hidden behind the community.
He said, “Following credible intel on illegal activities around Peterside Community within FOB BONNY Area of Operation, the Base deployed the anti-crude oil theft team comprising armed personnel on an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission to validate the intel and subsequently deactivate any illegal refinery site sighted.
“At the point of discovery, the illegal refining site had 2 cooking tanks, 2 storage tanks, 2 plastic tanks, one large water tank and one dug-out pit. Further assessment revealed that one storage tank was laden with about 5,000L of product suspected to be stolen crude oil, the plastic tanks were laden with about 1,000L of products suspected to be stolen crude oil while the dug-out pit contained about 1,000L of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.”
According to him, the Navy promptly deactivated the illegal facility and launched investigations to apprehend those behind the operation, noting that the team also made discovery.
“A large wooden boat carefully concealed at the entrance of the community was discovered. The boat was laden with about 2,000L of product suspected to be stolen crude oil. Similarly, the boat was confiscated in line with extant regulations,” Almustapha added.
He further disclosed that another interception was made by Navy personnel stationed around the Oputumbi general area, earlier in the day.
“On 14 May 25 at about 0030, the Base anti-crude oil theft team stationed at Maritime Guard Post 2 around Oputumbi general area, acting on credible intel, intercepted a large wooden boat around Owokpo general area. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the wooden boat was laden with about 10,000L of product suspected to be illegally stolen crude oil. Subsequently, the boat was confiscated in line with extant regulations.”
Lt Cdr Almustapha reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to sustain “bullish aggression against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities,” warning perpetrators to seek legitimate alternatives.
He also assured maritime stakeholders of the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s waterways for both commuters and commercial activities.
