The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny has deactivated an illegal refining site in Peterside Community, Bonny Local Council of Rivers State.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, led to the seizure of approximately 19,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.

Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Base Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, disclosed that the operation was initiated based on credible intelligence reports. He explained that an anti-crude oil theft team, equipped with armed personnel, was deployed on an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission to validate the report and deactivate any illegal refinery sites discovered.

During the operation, the team uncovered an active illegal refining site hidden behind the community. The site was equipped with cooking tanks, storage tanks, plastic tanks, and a dug-out pit, containing about 19,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

The breakdown of the confiscated product included 5,000 litres in a storage tank, 1,000 litres in two plastic tanks, 1,000 litres in a dug-out pit, and 12,000 litres in a large wooden boat concealed at the community’s entrance.

The illegal site was deactivated, and the stolen products were impounded, with investigations ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Earlier on the same day, operatives of FOB Bonny stationed at Oputumbi general area intercepted a large wooden boat transporting about 10,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The interception occurred at 3:00 a.m. following credible intelligence. The boat and its cargo were confiscated in line with regulations.

Lieutenant Commander Almustapha reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combatting crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities within its area of operation.

He warned perpetrators to abandon such activities and seek lawful means of livelihood.