Nigerian Navy Smashes Six Illegal Refineries in Delta, Seizes 11,200 Litres of Stolen Crude

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos, has dismantled six illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Warri, noting that the coordinated operations were executed between October 2 and October 6.

Okoloagu revealed that approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered during the raids. The products were stored in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks, alongside a pumping machine used for the illicit activities.

He explained that the successful operation was part of Operation DELTA SANITY II, a sustained military campaign aimed at curbing oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta.

According to Okoloagu, the operation was driven by credible intelligence and in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to suppress illegal activities threatening Nigeria’s oil assets.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to protect national economic interests and maintain a strong presence across coastal communities to deter further acts of sabotage.

“The FOB Escravos remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure and ensuring that economic saboteurs find no refuge within our maritime domain,” Okoloagu stated.