The Nigerian Navy has announced the recovery of over 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and the deactivation of an illegal refining site in the Allison Community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State. This operation was conducted under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this on March 26. The operation highlights a renewed crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

This recent success comes just four days after the Navy intercepted approximately 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers State. The ongoing operations underscore the Navy's commitment to curbing illicit activities in the oil sector.

The Navy stated that the operation led to the discovery and shutdown of an active illegal refining site. The recovered crude oil was found stored within the facility, which included dugout pits and locally fabricated cooking and cooling systems.

Suspects reportedly fled the scene upon the arrival of the naval patrol team. The recovered volume of crude oil exceeded 20,000 litres.

This action is in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who has urged operational commanders to intensify efforts against crude oil theft. The goal is to protect the nation's critical oil infrastructure and support the Federal Government's target of achieving 2.5 million barrels per day production.

The operation was initiated following actionable intelligence. Personnel from Forward Operating Base BONNY, under the Eastern Naval Command, deployed an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team to the area.

Crude oil theft and illegal refining remain significant challenges for Nigeria's oil sector, particularly in the Niger Delta. These activities lead to substantial output reductions and affect government earnings.