Nigerian Navy destroys illegal oil storage site in Rivers State

Crime Diary, Environment

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — The Nigerian Navy says its Operation Delta Sentinel has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site in the Niger Delta, as part of intensified efforts to curb oil theft and bunkering.

In a statement issued Saturday, the Navy confirmed that personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden beneath dense vegetation in the Opotumbi area of Rivers State. Using maritime surveillance technology, the operation discovered four pits containing an estimated 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The products were destroyed in line with operational guidelines.

The Navy described the action as evidence of renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and maritime crimes, highlighting continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard national assets and Nigeria’s economic interests.

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Illegal oil bunkering remains pervasive in the Niger Delta, costing Nigeria billions of dollars annually in lost revenue. Beyond the economic damage, the practice has severe environmental consequences, including oil spills, soot pollution, and the destruction of farmlands and waterways. Communities face chronic air and water contamination, declining fish stocks, and rising health risks, while cleanup costs run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite repeated crackdowns, the trade persists, driven by its profitability and limited economic alternatives in the region.