The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal fuel storage and distribution facility and recovered approximately 13,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil during an operation in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base BONNY under Operation Delta Sentinel, according to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, posted on X on Thursday.

The Navy said operatives discovered an illegal petroleum products storage and distribution facility containing large-capacity storage tanks, reservoirs, drums, hoses and other equipment used in the unlawful handling and distribution of petroleum products.

It added that the recovered products and associated facilities were handled in line with extant operational procedures.

Speaking on the operation, Folorunsho said the illegal facility was believed to have supported criminal activities associated with the illicit petroleum products trade.

“The illegal facility is believed to have supported criminal activities linked to the unlawful petroleum products trade, thereby undermining national economic interests and the integrity of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure. Relevant investigations are ongoing, while efforts continue to identify all persons connected with the illegal operation,” he said.

The Navy spokesperson described the operation as another milestone in the Service’s campaign against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

“The successful operation represents another significant step in the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to dismantle the infrastructure that enables crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

It further underscores the Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical national assets and supporting the Federal Government’s drive to enhance crude oil production and national revenue,” Folorunsho stated.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to sustain operations aimed at protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure and combating criminal activities within the maritime domain.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to sustaining Operation DELTA SENTINEL and other lawful operations aimed at safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure and denying economic saboteurs the freedom of action to perpetuate any form of criminality in our maritime domain,” Folorunsho added.

The operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, which continue to pose significant threats to Nigeria’s economy and the security of its oil and gas infrastructure.