Navy Bursts Diesel Dump, Confiscate 105,000 Litres, Bunkering Equipment, Arrest 8 Suspects 

The Nigerian Navy has neutralized an illegal petroleum products dump in Bonny, Rivers State where it confiscated 105,450 litres of automotive gas oil, several illegal bunkering equipment, and substance suspected to be marijuana, as well as arrested eight persons suspected to be involved in the activities there.

Operations Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, in a statement on Friday, August 22, 2025 said the seized equipment have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while the substances suspected to be marijuana were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bonny.

Lt Cdr Almustapha said the operation that led to the large cache was focused on actualizing the operational objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, which he said aims at checkmating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and kidnapping within the FOB Bonny’s area of operation.

“On Monday 18 August 2025, FOB BONNY anti-illegal refining Team were deployed for clearance operation within Ama-Omu Community. At the site, the team discovered a large wooden boat tied to a Jetty behind a building.”

“The wooden boat was laden with 7 x 5,000 litres plastic tanks filled with AGO. The tanks were connected to a hose that led into a compound. The team further accessed the compound and discovered 3 large sheds and 4 rooms within the building containing tanks and drums of varying sizes.”  

The following was discovered within the warehouse in the compound: six pieces of 10,000litres Geepee plastic tanks, 18 pieces of 5,000litres Geepee plastic tanks, 138 pieces of 300litres plastic tanks, three pieces of 1,000litres plastic tanks, 15 pieces of 75litres kegs, three surface pumping machines, one air pressure machine, three metering machines, hoses of varying sizes, numerous valves, and work tools.”

“Pertinently, the products discovered at the site was cumulatively estimated to be about 105,450 litres of AGO. This quantity of products was denied criminal elements.”  

Accordingly, the Team proceeded to search the building and rooms where the owners of the facility reside. The following items were discovered: five walkie talkies, one blood pressure measuring machine, a pair of boots, National Hunters and Forest Guards uniforms, eight cellphones, two DVR systems, one router, charms of varying types, items suspected to be marijuana and other drugs, documents and certificates, identification cards, and ATM cards.”

“Furthermore, 8 suspects were arrested in connection with the products. The suspects had been handed over to the NSCDC and NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.”

The NNFOB Operations Officer stated that the activities being carried out at the said crime scene not only contravene provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Acts of 2004 and Petroleum Act Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 but also pose an existential danger to the lives and properties of residents of the area, given that no safety considerations or measures were put in place there.

“It is noteworthy that storing large quantity of AGO within a confined space in the midst of a built-up neighbourhood posed a safety risk on the Island. More worrisome is the presence of an electric pole with network of high-tension electric cables in the middle of one of the storage sheds.”

“For emphasis, the shed where the pole is located contained 6 x 10,000 litres capacity plastic tanks. This implied that a spark within the premises could potentially trigger a massive fire that could wipe out the entire neighbourhood, thus leading to destruction of lives and properties. Additionally, there was no provision for fire extinguishers within the entire premises. The presence of the storage dump constituted grave danger and safety hazard to the inhabitants of Bonny Island.”  

“Further to the above, it is important to state that dealing with POL products requires express approval from relevant agencies like NNPC Ltd as well as clearance and licenses prior to engaging in such businesses. The documents could not be obtained as the owner of the facility could not present any documented approval, license or proof of company registration. Additionally, the source of the AGO could not be ascertained.”

“Thus, the action of the owner indicates blatant disregard for provisions of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Notably, lack of approval to deal with petroleum products contravenes extant laws and constitutes clear violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Acts of 2004.”  

“In view of the aforementioned, illegal dealing in petroleum products violates the provision of the Petroleum Act Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and is punishable under Section 4(1) to an imprisonment term of 2 years.”   

“Furthermore, persons involved in conspiring to engage in illegal oil bunkering could face charges under Section 1(17) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. Penalties include imprisonment terms of up to 5 years or more, with option of N20 million fine.”

“It is also pertinent to state that dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority by engaging in product distribution without a license could incur penalties of imprisonment term of up to 2 years, with options for fines.”  

“Additionally, bunkering operations conducted without a valid license could incur a penalty of $1 million and a criminal prosecution, while operating with an expired or invalid license could result in a fine of $500,000 and prosecution.”

“Consequent upon this, the Base has activated measures towards denying criminal elements freedom of action within FOB BONNY area of operation. Criminal elements are hereby advised to desist from illegalities and seek alternative and legal means of livelihood.”

Representative of the NSCDC, Superintendent Sunday Omagu thanked the Nigerian Navy for the ongoing collaborative approach to crime fighting, protection of national assets and denial of action to criminal elements, assuring that the NSCDC will continue maintain the cordial relationship.