The Nigerian Navy has busted an illegal petroleum products dump in Bonny, Rivers State, confiscating 105,450 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and several illegal bunkering equipment.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the products and have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
According to Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Operations Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Bonny, the operation was focused on actualizing the operational objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, which aim at checkmating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and kidnapping within the FOB Bonny’s area of operation.
He said on August 18, 2025, the FOB BONNY anti-illegal refining team was deployed for a clearance operation within Ama-Omu Community, where they discovered a large wooden boat laden with 7 x 5,000 liters plastic tanks filled with AGO.
The team’s investigation revealed a large cache of diesel and equipment, including six pieces of 10,000 liters Geepee plastic tanks, 18 pieces of 5,000 liters Geepee plastic tanks, 138 pieces of 300 liters plastic tanks, three surface pumping machines, one air pressure machine, three metering machines, hoses of varying sizes, numerous valves, and work tools.
The products discovered at the site were cumulatively estimated to be about 105,450 liters of AGO, which was denied to criminal elements.
In addition to the diesel and equipment, the team also discovered other items, including 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.
He said: “On Monday, 18 August 2025, FOB BONNY anti-illegal refining team were deployed for a 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 three large sheds and four rooms within the building containing tanks and drums of varying sizes.”
Lt. Cdr. Almustapha highlighted the safety risks associated with storing large quantities of AGO in a built-up neighborhood, citing the presence of an electric pole with high-tension electric cables in the middle of one of the storage sheds.
He said the situation posed a significant fire hazard, and the Navy emphasized that such activities are not only illegal but also endanger the lives of residents.
Lt. Cdr. Almustapha warned that persons involved in conspiring to engage in illegal oil bunkering could face charges under Section 1(17) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, with penalties including imprisonment terms of up to five years or more, with an option of a N20 million fine. Additionally, bunkering operations conducted without a valid license could incur a penalty of $1 million and a criminal 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.
He said, “It is noteworthy that storing a 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 a 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 a 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 a 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) with 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 five years or more, with the 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 two 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.”
A 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 to maintain the cordial relationship.
