Navy Recovers 182,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude In Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has confiscated approximately 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in Bethel Creeks, Rivers State, in another major disruption of illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities within the area.

A statement by the Naval Spokesman, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said troops of FOB BONNY on 22 September 2026 made the discovery during a follow-up operation based on actionable information concerning suspicious activities around the creeks.

According to him, the operation uncovered eight dugout pits, five of which contained the suspected stolen crude oil, while three were empty.

He added that hoses associated with the movement of crude oil were also discovered and subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures.

The Director noted that the latest discovery comes barely two weeks after FOB BONNY uncovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at four newly activated illegal refining sites around Aworkiri on 8 September 2026.

He said the earlier operation also exposed 19 dugout pits and associated infrastructure, indicating attempts to establish facilities for storing and handling stolen crude oil.

The successive discoveries, according to him, highlight the Nigerian Navy’s expanding focus on denying criminal operators the storage and transfer infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft, rather than allowing illicit activities to become re-established after previous disruptions.

The latest operation further constrains the availability of crude oil and supporting infrastructure for illegal exploitation within the area.