In a significant development in the fight against oil theft, the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Theft, has uncovered a 40,000-litre capacity illegal crude oil refinery in Rivers State. This discovery, made during a joint operation in the Bonny Local Government Area, comes as the Special Prosecution Team announced that it has secured 137 convictions of oil thieves since its establishment.

The operation, which took place on Friday, was the result of actionable intelligence coordinated by the Joint Intelligence Monitoring Team, involving various security and intelligence agencies. Captain Stanley Umeh, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, described the find as the largest since he took command in March 2026. He noted that the illegal facility was still in its preparatory stages, with refining activities not yet fully underway.

Captain Umeh emphasized that this discovery is a crucial step in combating crude oil theft and enhancing Nigeria's oil production capabilities. "This discovery here is a product of long-time synergy between the base and other security agencies within the island and outside. It has been a product of actionable intelligence over time," he stated. He assured local residents that the Navy would increase surveillance and patrols in the waterways and remote areas of Bonny, reinforcing a zero tolerance policy towards illegal activities.

CSP Omar John Sini, Head of Investigation for the Special Prosecution Team, confirmed that the team has achieved 137 convictions since its formation in 2025. He attributed the recent operation to effective collaboration among intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies. Sini highlighted that the intelligence team, led by Major General A.A. Idris, played a vital role in the operation, which aims to prevent rather than react to criminal activities.

"The primary purpose of law enforcement is to detect crime. We don’t even want it to occur so that we don’t be reactive, we want to be preventive," Sini remarked. He also revealed that three suspects linked to financing the illegal refinery are currently in custody. The authorities are set to treat the site according to existing laws and prosecute those involved.

The ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy and the Special Prosecution Team reflect a broader commitment to tackling the pervasive issue of oil theft in Nigeria, which has significant implications for the country's economy. The recent convictions and discoveries signal a determined approach to curbing these illicit activities and restoring integrity to the hydrocarbon sector.