By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered about 85,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil during a follow up operation at Allison in Rivers State, in a fresh move to disrupt efforts by illegal oil bunkering operators to revive activities in the area.

The operation was conducted by the Forward Operating Base, Bonny, on September 29, 2026, following actionable intelligence on the emergence of a new illegal bunkering site. During the operation, troops discovered 16 concealed dugout pits, four of which contained about 40,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while another three held approximately 45,000 litres believed to be awaiting further processing.

The troops also recovered hoses suspected to have been used for transferring crude oil. The discovery came barely a week after the Navy deactivated a major illegal refining camp in the same area on September 22, 2026, highlighting the persistent efforts by criminal operators to re establish illegal oil processing activities.

The successive operations demonstrate the importance of sustained intelligence driven surveillance in oil producing communities. By locating and dismantling concealed storage and processing facilities, the Navy is disrupting the infrastructure required to steal, store, process and transport crude oil.

The Nigerian Navy said the recovered suspected stolen crude oil and associated equipment were handled in accordance with established procedures. The latest operation further underscores the need for continuous maritime and land based security operations to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets and prevent renewed attempts to establish illegal bunkering networks.