The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in Bethel Creeks, Rivers State.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made this known in an operational report in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Folorunsho said the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY made the discovery on Tuesday during a follow-up operation based on actionable information about suspicious activities around the creeks.

According to him, the operation marks another major disruption of illicit crude oil storage and transfer activities within the area.

“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 naval spokesman disclosed that the latest discovery came barely two weeks after FOB BONNY uncovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at four newly activated refining sites around Aworkiri on Sept. 8.

He recalled that the earlier operation also exposed 19 dugout pits and associated infrastructure, suggesting attempts to establish facilities for storing and handling stolen crude oil.

“The successive discoveries highlight the navy’s expanding focus on denying criminal operators the storage and transfer infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft,” he said.

Mr Folorunsho added that the navy was determined to prevent illicit activities from becoming re-established after previous disruptions.

According to him, the latest operation further constrains the availability of crude oil and supporting infrastructure for illegal exploitation within the area.

(NAN)