Nigerian Navy Rescues Passengers from Sinking Boat, Intensifies War on Oil Theft in Niger Delta
The Nigerian Navy has demonstrated its crucial dual role in the Niger Delta, successfully executing a mid-river rescue operation on the Bonny River while simultaneously conducting a sweeping crackdown on illegal crude oil refining sites across four different locations in Rivers and Delta States.
A potential tragedy was averted on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after personnel from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny rescued 11 passengers from a sinking speedboat.
The boat, traveling from Nembe Waterside Jetty in Port Harcourt to Coal Beach Jetty in Bonny Island, suffered an engine failure midstream and began rapidly taking on water near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, Rivers State.
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Despite heavy rainfall, the swift response of the FOB Bonny patrol team ensured all aboard—six males and five females—were brought to safety. The rescued individuals were taken to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Jetty for immediate medical checks and subsequently handed over to the Marine Police for reunification with their families.
On the following day, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Navy intensified its commitment to protecting critical national assets by dismantling numerous Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) across the Niger Delta. These operations target the illicit trade that has severely impacted Nigeria’s oil output and environment.
These combined actions underscore the Nigerian Navy’s renewed focus, led by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), on ensuring maritime safety, eradicating crude oil theft, and promoting lawful economic activities. The Navy stated its unwavering efforts are aimed at completely eliminating all forms of illegality within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
By PRNigeria
