Navy Uncovers Illegal Fuel Stockpile Along Rivers–Bayelsa Corridor

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, uncovering illegal refining sites in Bonny and intercepting a concealed fuel stockpile along the Rivers–Bayelsa border corridor.

In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said personnel of Forward Operating Base BONNY, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, foiled attempts by suspected oil thieves to establish new illegal refining camps around the Promise Land area of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State.

According to the statement, aerial surveillance and ground operations uncovered two newly constructed refining sites concealed within thick vegetation near river channels. The camps reportedly contained improvised cooking installations, interconnected pipe networks and other support infrastructure intended for theprocessing and transportation of illegally refined petroleum products.

The Navy said the camps were still in the early stages of development, indicating attempts by criminal networks to create a new illegal refining hub before full operations could commence. The sites were subsequently dismantled in line with operational procedures, while surveillance operations continue within the area.

In a related operation, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH discovered about three thousand, eight hundred litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil concealed in 38 sacks around Okarki Community waterside in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Naval authorities said the discovery followed intelligence reports of suspicious movement of illegally refined petroleum products within the creek corridor along the Rivers–Bayelsa border.

The operation also involved aerial surveillance, which exposed multiple sacks hidden within dense vegetation. Although no arrests were made as the suspects reportedly fled before troops arrived, the recovered products were secured by the operatives.

The Nigerian Navy said ongoing operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL are focused on disrupting illegal petroleum supply chains, monitoring creek corridors and denying criminal elements the ability to sustain illicit refining and distribution activities across the Niger Delta.

It reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and combating economic sabotage in the maritime environment.