The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has dismantled 10 illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, confirmed the development in a statement released Thursday in Warri. He said the operations took place in July 2025 at Obodo Omadino Community, following coordinated missions based on credible intelligence.
Okoloagu noted that the action was part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and environmental degradation in the region.
The naval boss said that the exercise was part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II.
Okoloagu added that the operations aligned with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla which emphasised sustained pressure on economic saboteurs.
“Specifically, on July 1, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino.
“The sites contained 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,575 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) stored across one oven, 30 dugout pits and 21 polythene sacks.
“Subsequently, on July 12, one additional site was dismantled at Oteghele within Obodo Omadino, and 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil stored in five dugout pits were recovered.
“In a follow-up operation, on July 19, another illegal refining site with one pumping machine was uncovered and dismantled at Oteghele.
“Maintaining the momentum, on July 23, the Base deactivated two active illegal refining sites laden with 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,675 litres of illegally refined AGO.”
Okoloagu added that the Base uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites on Sunday at Obodo Omadino community.
According to him, the naval personnel have also dismantled another active illegal refining site at Obodo Omadino.
“Cumulatively, the Base deactivated 10 illegal refining sites and seized approximately 20,950 litres of stolen crude oil and 6,395 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“The products were discovered in two locally fabricated ovens, 92 dugout pits and 60 polythene sacks,” he said.
Okoloagu reemphasised the Base’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding nation’s oil and gas assets.
He warned that perpetrators should either desist from the illicit acts or prepare to face the full wrath of the law.
