The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and dismantled an illegal petroleum products depot in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, seizing over 105,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and arresting eight suspects in the process.

Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Operations Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday. He disclosed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Navy, under the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to curb crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and related crimes within the Bonny axis.

At the crime scene in Ama-Omu community, naval personnel discovered a large wooden boat tied to a jetty, laden with seven 5,000-litre plastic tanks of AGO. Further inspection led to the discovery of three large sheds and four rooms stocked with tanks, drums, pumping machines, hoses, valves, and other bunkering equipment.

Confiscated items included:

• 105,450 litres of AGO in Geepee tanks and drums
• Three surface pumping machines, one air pressure machine, three metering machines, and several work tools
• Communication gadgets such as five walkie-talkies, eight mobile phones, two DVR systems, and a router
• National Hunters and Forest Guards uniforms, charms, identity cards, ATM cards, and documents
• Substances suspected to be marijuana and other drugs

The Navy handed over the seized petroleum products and equipment to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), while the drugs were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Almustapha noted that the illegal storage site posed a grave danger to Bonny residents, as the lack of safety measures or fire extinguishers meant that a single spark could trigger a catastrophic fire capable of destroying lives and property.

He emphasized that operating petroleum depots without approval or licenses from relevant agencies like NNPC Ltd violates the Petroleum Act (Cap P10, LFN 2004) and the Miscellaneous Offences Act (2004), both of which prescribe heavy fines and prison terms for offenders.

“Dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority attracts severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years or fines ranging from ₦20 million to $1 million, depending on the scale of the offence,” he warned.

Almustapha assured that the Navy would sustain its operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.

Superintendent Sunday Omagu, representing the NSCDC, commended the Navy for the synergy in tackling oil theft, drug trafficking, and other security challenges, pledging continued collaboration in the protection of national assets.