Major Seizure of Illegal Petroleum Products in Bonny, Rivers State
The Nigerian Navy has made a significant breakthrough by uncovering and neutralizing a large illegal petroleum products dump in Bonny, Rivers State. During the operation, over 105,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), along with illegal bunkering equipment and substances suspected to be marijuana, were seized. Eight suspects were also arrested in connection with the operation.
The operation was conducted by the anti-illegal refining team from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny. Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, the Operations Officer of FOB Bonny, confirmed the details of the operation in a statement. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at curbing crude oil theft and bunkering in the region.
On Monday, 18 August 2025, the team was deployed for a clearance operation within Ama-Omu Community. At the site, they discovered a large wooden boat tied to a jetty behind a building. The boat was found to be laden with seven 5,000-litre plastic tanks filled with AGO. These tanks were connected to a hose leading into a compound.
Inside the compound, the team discovered three large sheds and four rooms containing tanks and drums of various sizes. The items recovered included six 10,000-litre Geepee plastic tanks, 18 units of 5,000-litre tanks, 138 units of 300-litre tanks, three 1,000-litre tanks, and 15 kegs of 75 litres. Additional equipment such as pumping machines, metering machines, hoses, valves, and work tools were also seized.
According to Almustapha, the total volume of AGO recovered was estimated to be approximately 105,450 litres. This amount was reportedly denied to criminal elements involved in the illegal trade.
During the search, the team also found walkie-talkies, uniforms, charms, mobile phones, identity cards, documents, and items suspected to be marijuana. The eight suspects apprehended were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Almustapha highlighted that the activities violated several laws, including the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 2004 and the Petroleum Act. He pointed out the significant safety risks associated with storing large quantities of AGO in a built-up neighborhood.
“The presence of an electric pole with high-tension cables in one of the storage sheds posed a severe risk,” he said. “A single spark could trigger a fire capable of destroying an entire neighborhood.”
He also noted that there were no fire extinguishers on the premises, which further increased the danger to the residents of Bonny Island.
Almustapha warned that those caught dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison, fines of up to N20 million, or other substantial financial penalties.
Superintendent Sunday Omagu, a representative of the NSCDC, commended the Nigerian Navy for its proactive efforts in combating crime. He stated that the NSCDC will continue to work closely with the Navy to protect national assets and prevent criminal activities.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle illegal petroleum activities and ensure public safety in the region.
