Nigerian Navy Foils Attempted Crude Oil Theft In Bonny, Recovers Wellhead Tampering Equipment

Nigerian Navy Foils Attempted Crude Oil Theft In Bonny, Recovers Wellhead Tampering Equipment The Nigerian Navy has prevented an alleged attempt to sabotage an oil wellhead and steal crude oil in Bonny, Rivers State, recovering equipment suspected to have been prepared for the operation. Personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base FOB Bonny reportedly intercepted a fibre boat during a patrol near the Renaissance African Energy Company Limited RAECL Oloma Flow Station. The occupants of the boat allegedly fled after sighting the naval operatives. A search of the abandoned boat led to the discovery of items believed to be used for wellhead tampering and pipeline vandalism, including a portable generator, cutting and grinding machines, chisels, spanners, cutlasses and other tools. The Nigerian Navy said the recovered equipment suggested that the suspects were attempting to compromise the oil facility and illegally siphon crude oil. One suspect has reportedly been arrested following follow-up operations, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the group. The recovered fibre boat has been taken into custody for further investigation as authorities continue efforts to protect critical oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. The operation was carried out under the Navy’s ongoing efforts through Operation Delta Sentinel, aimed at tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage within Nigeria’s maritime environment.