Major Crackdown on Illegal Oil Refining in Rivers State
In a significant move to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, the Nigerian Navy has successfully neutralized four active illegal refining sites and confiscated approximately 124,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Awokiri, located within the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State. This operation was carried out by the anti-Crude Oil Theft team under the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny.
The operation was initiated during a routine patrol mission aimed at fulfilling the operational objectives set by the Chief of Naval Staff. According to Lieutenant Commander Siraj Almustapha, the Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, the discovery was made on August 5, 2025, around 12:55 PM. The team identified four illegal refining sites that were positioned sequentially over an area estimated to be about 150 meters long.
These sites were situated near the riverbank and connected through a network of steel pipes to four large open-top metal tanks believed to be used for storage and loading. Upon landing for further inspection, the team found the sites to be active, as evidenced by the presence of fresh stolen crude oil in multiple containers.
Details of the Seizure
The findings from the operation included:
- 12 dug-out pits, each containing approximately 5,000 liters of suspected stolen crude.
- Four large metal storage tanks, each holding about 14,000 liters.
- Four large cooking tanks, each with an estimated 2,000 liters.
Additional equipment recovered at the scene included a pumping machine, steel pipes, several hoses, and an empty 50-liter jerry can. The refining setup also featured a rudimentary cooling system, with metal pipes running through water tanks leading to the river mouth, which is suspected to be the loading point.
The cumulative amount of products seized was estimated to be around 124,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil. This quantity of crude oil was reportedly denied to criminal elements involved in these illicit activities.
Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Maritime Security
Lieutenant Commander Almustapha emphasized that this operation is part of broader efforts to enforce maritime security in the region and to disrupt the economic sabotage caused by oil thieves. These operations align with the operational objectives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, which include routine patrols, anti-crude oil theft, anti-illegal bunkering, and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
In response to this operation, the Navy has implemented additional security measures to restrict criminal activities within the Base’s Area of Operation. The officer issued a stern warning to those engaged in illegal oil activities, urging them to abandon their unlawful practices and seek legal means of livelihood.
A Call for Legal Alternatives
“Consequent upon this, the Base has activated measures towards denying criminal elements freedom of action within FOB Bonny area of operation. We advise criminal elements in the area to desist from illegalities and seek alternative as well as legal means of livelihood,” said Lt Cdr Almustapha.
As security agencies continue to intensify their efforts against crude oil theft and environmental degradation, ongoing monitoring of developments in the region remains crucial. The fight against illegal oil activities is not only vital for national security but also for preserving the environment and ensuring sustainable economic growth.