The Nigerian Navy has busted an illegal petroleum products dump in Bonny, Rivers State, confiscating 105,450 litres of automotive gas oil popularly diesel.
Several illegal bunkering equipment, and substance suspected to be marijuana were also seized, as well as the arrest of eight persons suspected to be involved in the illegal activities.
The Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, in a statement, said the seized equipment have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while the substances suspected to be marijuana were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bonny.
Almustapha narrated that the anti-illegal refining team deployed for clearance operation within Ama-Omu Community on Monday 18 August, 2025, FOB Bonny discovered a large wooden boat tied to a Jetty behind a building.
“The wooden boat was laden with 7 x 5,000 litres plastic tanks filled with AGO. The tanks were connected to a hose that led into a compound. The team further accessed the compound and discovered 3 large sheds and 4 rooms within the building containing tanks and drums of varying sizes.”
He listed things discovered within the warehouse in the compound to include six pieces of 10,000litres Geepee plastic tanks, 18 pieces of 5,000litres Geepee plastic tanks, 138 pieces of 300litres plastic tanks, three pieces of 1,000litres plastic tanks, 15 pieces of 75litres kegs, three surface pumping machines, one air pressure machine, three metering machines, hoses of varying sizes, numerous valves, and work tools.
“Pertinently, the products discovered at the site was cumulatively estimated to be about 105,450 litres of AGO. This quantity of products was denied criminal elements,” he said.
Further search in the building led to the discovery of five walkie talkies, one blood pressure measuring machine, a pair of boots, National Hunters and Forest Guards uniforms, eight cellphones, two DVR systems, one router, charms of varying types, items suspected to be marijuana and other drugs, documents and certificates, identification cards, and ATM cards.
He further revealed that 8 suspects were arrested in connection with the products who been handed over to the NSCDC and NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
The NNFOB Operations Officer described activities as not only contravention of Miscellaneous Offences Acts of 2004 and Petroleum Act Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 but also existential danger to the lives and properties of residents of the area.
“It is noteworthy that storing large quantity of AGO within a confined space in the midst of a built-up neighbourhood posed a safety risk on the Island. More worrisome is the presence of an electric pole with network of high-tension electric cables in the middle of one of the storage sheds,” he said.
Almustapha further stated that dealing with POL products requires express approval from relevant agencies like NNPC Ltd as well as clearance and licenses prior to engaging in such businesses.
He stressed that the documents could not be obtained as the owner of the facility could not present any documented approval, license or proof of company registration as the source of the AGO could not be ascertained.
“Thus, the action of the owner indicates blatant disregard for provisions of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Notably, lack of approval to deal with petroleum products contravenes extant laws and constitutes clear violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Acts of 2004,” he said.
He warned that persons involved in conspiring to engage in illegal oil bunkering could face charges under Section 1(17) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act with penalties including imprisonment terms of up to 5 years or more, with option of N20 million fine.
“It is also pertinent to state that dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority by engaging in product distribution without a license could incur penalties of imprisonment term of up to 2 years, with options for fines.
“Additionally, bunkering operations conducted without a valid license could incur a penalty of $1 million and a criminal prosecution, while operating with an expired or invalid license could result in a fine of $500,000 and prosecution,” Almustapha said.
Consequent upon this, he said the Base has activated measures towards denying criminal elements freedom of action within FOB BONNY area of operation.
“Criminal elements are hereby advised to desist from illegalities and seek alternative and legal means of livelihood,” he said.
Representative of the NSCDC, Superintendent Sunday Omagu commended the Navy for the ongoing collaborative approach to crime fighting, protection of national assets and denial of action to criminal elements, assuring that the Corps will continue maintain the cordial relationship.
