Nigerian Navy Saves 11 from Sinking Boat and Disables Illegal Oil Refineries
The Nigerian Navy has demonstrated its commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime environment, ensuring safety for seafarers, and combating crude oil theft. Recently, the Navy successfully rescued 11 passengers from a sinking boat along Bonny River in Rivers State. This incident highlights the critical role of the Navy in maintaining maritime security and preventing potential disasters.
Rescue Operation on Bonny River
On Tuesday, 4 November 2025, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny carried out a rescue operation after a speedboat began sinking in the Bonny River. The boat had departed from Nembe Waterside Jetty in Port Harcourt, heading towards Coal Beach Jetty in Bonny Island. However, it experienced engine failure midstream and started taking on water near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, in Rivers State.
Despite heavy rainfall, the patrol team from the Forward Operating Base Bonny acted swiftly, preventing a major tragedy. All 11 rescued passengers—six males and five females—were taken to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Jetty for medical checks and later handed over to the Marine Police for reunification with their families.
Intensified Anti-Crude Oil Theft Operations
In addition to the rescue mission, the Nigerian Navy intensified its anti-crude oil theft operations across the Niger Delta region. On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, the Navy deactivated several illegal refining sites in four different locations.
- Escravos Forward Operating Basedeactivated two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
- TheNigerian Navy Ship Pathfinderpatrol team uncovered and deactivated an illegal refining site containing three cooking ovens, six reservoirs, sacks, jerry cans, and dugout pits filled with stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil around the Bakana and Isaka general areas of Rivers State.
- Forward Operating Base Bonnypersonnel dismantled an active illegal refining site at Eyamba Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
- TheNigerian Navy Ship Deltapatrol team deactivated another site at Opumani Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
These operations reflect the Nigerian Navy’s renewed efforts under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal). The Navy is committed to ensuring maritime safety, protecting critical national assets, and promoting lawful economic activities while continuing to eradicate crude oil theft and all forms of illegality within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Ongoing Challenges and Commitment
The Nigerian Navy faces ongoing challenges in its fight against crude oil theft, which has long been a significant issue in the Niger Delta. This form of illegal activity not only leads to environmental degradation but also undermines the country’s economy and security. By deactivating these illegal refineries, the Navy is taking concrete steps to address these issues and restore order in the region.
The successful rescue of the 11 passengers and the deactivation of multiple illegal oil refining sites demonstrate the Navy’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. These actions are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s waters remain safe, secure, and free from criminal activities.
As the Navy continues its operations, it remains focused on collaboration with local communities, law enforcement agencies, and international partners to enhance maritime security and promote sustainable development in the region.