Navy Smashes Massive Oil Theft Ring, Seizes 124,000 Litres in Rivers State Raid
The Nigerian Navy has dealt a devastating blow to crude oil thieves with the destruction of four sophisticated illegal refining sites and the seizure of 124,000 litres of stolen crude oil during a dramatic operation in Rivers State on August 5, 2025.
The anti-crude oil theft team from Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny discovered the extensive criminal network spanning 150 metres in the Awokiri area of Bonny Local Council during a routine patrol at 12:55 p.m. Lieutenant Commander Siraj Almustapha revealed the operation featured 12 dugout pits, four large storage tanks, and four cooking tanks, all connected by an elaborate system of steel pipes and cooling mechanisms designed for industrial-scale oil theft.
The sophisticated setup included pumping machines, hoses, and storage tanks strategically positioned at the river mouth as loading points for transport vessels. The naval team’s swift action prevented the criminals from continuing their operations, with the seized crude oil representing a significant loss to the theft network.
Lieutenant Commander Almustapha emphasized that the operation advances Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s objectives of combating crude oil theft and protecting critical national infrastructure. The naval base has activated comprehensive measures to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area, warning oil thieves to abandon illegal activities and pursue legitimate livelihoods.
Source: guardian.ng
