Personnel from the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have dismantled eight illegal refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta, in an ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, briefed journalists in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday, stating that the successful operations targeted pipeline vandalism and other illicit activities.
“In total, three operations led to the deactivation of eight illegal refining sites, with the seizure of about 16,040 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” Okoloagu said.
He reported that the materials were stored in two ovens, 43 dugout pits, and 18 polythene sacks.
“These operations, part of Operation DELTA SANITY II and guided by actionable intelligence, underscore FOB Escravos’ commitment to the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aimed at eliminating maritime crimes within Nigerian waters,” he added.
On May 14, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, operatives uncovered and destroyed two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West LGA, seizing around 5,625 litres of stolen crude oil from one oven and 17 dugout pits.
Further action on May 19 led to the discovery of three additional illegal sites in the same area.
Approximately 2,500 litres of crude oil and 1,650 litres of refined AGO were found in one oven, five dugout pits, and 18 sacks.
On May 26, a follow-up operation revealed another three illegal sites in Oteghele, also in Obodo Omadino, containing about 7,915 litres of stolen crude hidden in 21 dugout pits.
“FOB Escravos remains resolute in its mission to dismantle economic sabotage networks and ensure Nigeria fully benefits from its natural resources,” Okoloagu affirmed.
