Report Crude Oil Theft Promptly, Navy Charges Stakeholders as FOB Bonny Uncovers 132,000 Litres Of Suspected Stolen Crude
With another major cache of suspected stolen crude oil uncovered in Bonny, the Nigerian Navy has issued an urgent call for community leaders, traditional institutions, residents and other stakeholders to promptly report suspicious petroleum activities.
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, made the call on Friday, October 23, 2026, in a statement he personally signed, warning that credible intelligence is critical to dismantling illegal refining networks, stopping crude oil theft and protecting vital pipeline infrastructure.
The appeal follows the discovery of an estimated 132,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil by personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny at Allison Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Capt. Folorunsho emphasised that timely information from the public can help security agencies detect and disrupt illicit petroleum operations before they expand.
According to the Navy, the discovery was made on Thursday, October 22, under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL, following actionable intelligence. The operation uncovered 10 dugout pits containing the suspected stolen crude oil, while the site and recovered products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.
“Timely credible information can enable swift intervention and prevent illicit activities from expanding,” Folorunsho said, urging the public to report suspected crude oil theft, illegal refining, suspicious petroleum storage and unauthorised movement of petroleum products to the nearest security agency.
The latest discovery comes amid a series of reported naval operations targeting suspected stolen crude oil and illegal refining facilities in Allison and other communities in Bonny.
The recurring incidents highlight the persistent challenge of disrupting illicit petroleum networks and preventing illegal storage and refining sites from re-emerging after enforcement operations.
The Navy said it would sustain efforts to locate and dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt networks involved in crude oil theft across the Niger Delta. It stressed that safeguarding the nation’s petroleum assets requires active cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve.
Traditional rulers, community development bodies, youth organisations, residents and other stakeholders are therefore being urged to support the campaign by promptly reporting suspicious movements of petroleum products, concealed storage facilities, illegal refining activities and suspected attacks on pipelines.
The Navy’s renewed appeal underscores the importance of community intelligence in the wider effort to weaken the networks behind crude oil theft, illegal refining and vandalisation of petroleum infrastructure, protect national resources and strengthen security across the Niger Delta.
