Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Crude Oil Storage Pits in Bonny

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has foiled another attempt by crude oil theft syndicates to establish illegal storage facilities in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, acting under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, uncovered seven concealed dugout pits during a targeted anti-crude oil theft operation around Dema Abbey Community.

According to the Navy, four of the pits had been freshly excavated, while three contained water, suggesting they were being prepared for use in crude oil theft operations.

The Navy said similar concealed pits discovered during previous operations had been used as temporary storage facilities for stolen crude oil before being transported to illegal refining sites.

It added that the newly excavated pits were dismantled in line with anti-crude oil theft procedures, denying criminal elements the opportunity to establish another illegal crude oil storage hub in the Bonny area.

The service said the operation demonstrates its strategy of disrupting crude oil theft at the preparatory stage by targeting infrastructure used to support the illicit trade before it becomes operational.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to dismantle criminal networks, protect the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, and strengthen economic security.