The Nigerian Navy has uncovered approximately 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in Bethel Creeks, Rivers State, in another operation targeting illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities in the area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Nigerian Navy and signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information.
The discovery was made by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY on September 22, 2026, during a follow-up operation based on actionable information concerning suspicious activities around the creeks.
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 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 September 8, 2026.
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 Nigerian Navy’s continued 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.
