In a renewed offensive against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has deactivated eight illegal refining sites and arrested three suspects in a series of operations across Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Commanding Officer of the FOB, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Warri. He said the operations were executed at Obodo Omadino Community as part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II, a mission driven by actionable intelligence.
“Specifically, on June 6, 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community,” Okoloagu said.
“The sites contained 4,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,125 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in one oven, 19 dugout pits and 15 polythene sacks.”
He revealed that further raids were carried out on June 13 and June 19 at nearby Oteghele, leading to the dismantling of five additional refining sites.
“On June 13, two additional sites were dismantled at Oteghele, also within Obodo Omadino. The operation led to the recovery of 8,400 litres of stolen crude oil, stored in 21 dugout pits,” he said.
“Similarly, on June 19, 2025, three additional illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled at Oteghele. An estimated 7,650 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered from 26 dugout pits and 28 polythene sacks.”
In total, the Navy seized approximately 20,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,225 litres of illegally refined AGO, found in two locally fabricated ovens, 66 dugout pits, and 43 polythene sacks.
Okoloagu noted that the operation is in line with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, which emphasizes continuous pressure on economic saboteurs.
In a separate operation on June 15, the Navy deployed an anti-crude oil theft team to Malu Jacket 19, an offshore platform operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, following a tip-off.
“On arrival, the team discovered a wooden boat connected to the platform via a hose, siphoning crude oil. The boat, fitted with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, was seized and three suspects arrested,” he said.
“Additionally, one speedboat fitted with a 200HP Yamaha outboard engine was also impounded in the operation.”
Reaffirming the Navy’s dedication to protecting national oil and gas infrastructure, the commanding officer issued a stern warning to oil thieves and illegal refiners: “Desist from the illicit act or face the full wrath of the law.”
