The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos, Delta State, has deactivated six illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadina Community in Warri South Local Government Area, seizing approximately 8,660 litres of stolen crude oil and over 1,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday in Warri. He said the clampdown was executed through three intelligence-led operations under the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II.
“On April 21, 2025, our personnel discovered and dismantled two illegal refining sites containing about 1,900 litres of stolen crude oil stored in ovens and dug-out pits,” Okoloagu said.
He added that two more sites were uncovered on May 4, where approximately 3,710 litres of stolen crude and 330 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized. A final operation on May 11 led to the destruction of another two sites, yielding 3,050 litres of crude oil and 675 litres of AGO.
In total, the operations resulted in the confiscation of 8,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,005 litres of AGO, stored across 28 dug-out pits, 14 polythene sacks, and three ovens.
The operations, Captain Okoloagu noted, align with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to rid Nigeria’s territorial waters of illegalities.
He issued a stern warning to oil thieves and economic saboteurs, stating that the Navy will sustain efforts to curb illegal refining and safeguard the nation’s resources.
“We remain committed to frustrating all forms of maritime crimes and economic sabotage in our area of operation,” Okoloagu said.
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