Navy recovers 182,000 suspected stolen crude in Rivers

By Kennedy Sheyin

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil stored in five dug out pits in Bethel Creeks in Rivers.

The discovery was made by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY on Tuesday, during a follow-up operation based on actionable information concerning suspicious activities around the creeks.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, revealed this in an operational report in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, the operation marks another major disruption of illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities within the area.

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

“Hoses associated with the movement of crude oil were also discovered and subsequently handled in accordance with established procedures.”

The naval spokesman disclosed that the latest discovery came barely two weeks after FOB BONNY uncovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at four newly activated refining sites around Aworkiri on Sept. 8.

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

“The successive discoveries highlight the navy’s expanding focus on denying criminal operators the storage and transfer infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft,” he said.

Folorunsho added that the service was determined to prevent illicit activities from becoming re-established after previous disruptions.

According to him, the latest operation further constrain the availability of crude oil and supporting infrastructure for illegal exploitation within the area.(NAN)