Navy Destroys Eight Illegal Refineries, Seizes 16,000 Litres of Stolen Crude in Delta

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled eight illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and maritime crimes.

The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, made the disclosure on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Warri. He said the operations were carried out in three phases at the Obodo Omadino community under Operation DELTA SANITY II, following credible intelligence.

Okoloagu explained that on May 14, naval operatives uncovered and destroyed two illegal refining sites containing 5,625 litres of stolen crude oil stored in one oven and 17 dugout pits.

A follow-up operation on May 19 led to the deactivation of three additional sites in the same community. The team recovered 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), found in one oven, five dugout pits, and 18 polythene sacks.

Continuing the crackdown, the Navy uncovered three more illegal sites on May 26 at Oteghele, also within the Obodo Omadino area. The sites housed an estimated 7,915 litres of stolen crude oil concealed in 21 dugout pits.

“In total, eight illegal refining sites were deactivated. The seizures amounted to about 16,040 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of illegally refined AGO,” Okoloagu said, noting the discoveries were made across two ovens, 43 dugout pits, and 18 polythene sacks.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to enforce the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at eliminating all forms of maritime criminality within Nigeria’s waters.

Okoloagu also issued a stern warning to those engaged in illegal refining and oil theft to desist or face the full weight of the law.