August 1, 2025 | Warri, Delta State.
By Peter Omopo
In a renewed crackdown on crude oil theft and economic sabotage, operatives of the Nigerian Navy attached to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have dismantled 10 illegal refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, made the disclosure in Warri on Thursday, stating that the operations form part of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II aimed at curbing illegal bunkering and restoring sanity in the oil-rich region.
Capt. Okoloagu described the operations as “a major operational milestone” in the Navy’s commitment to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, boost daily crude oil output, and deter criminal activities undermining the nation’s economy.
According to him, the crackdown was made possible through credible intelligence and in strict alignment with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who has mandated unrelenting pressure on economic saboteurs operating in the region.
Chronology of Operations
- July 1, 2025: Naval operatives dismantled three illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The operation led to the recovery of 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,575 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in one oven, 30 dugout pits, and 21 polythene sacks.
- July 12, 2025: Another refining site was uncovered at Oteghele, within the same Obodo Omadino community. Recovered from the site were 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil stored in five dugout pits.
- July 19, 2025: A third raid in Oteghele revealed another illegal refining site equipped with a pumping machine. Naval operatives seized 4,200 litres of stolen crude oil from nine dugout pits.
- July 23, 2025: Two more active sites were deactivated at Obodo Omadino, yielding 2,300 litres of stolen crude and 2,675 litres of illegally refined AGO from 19 dugout pits and 10 polythene sacks.
- July 27, 2025: A further two sites were destroyed, also at Obodo Omadino, where 2,650 litres of stolen crude and 1,200 litres of AGO were recovered from 17 dugout pits and 16 polythene sacks.
- July 30, 2025: The final operation in the series saw the dismantling of another active refining site in Obodo Omadino. Approximately 3,200 litres of crude oil and 945 litres of AGO were confiscated from 10 dugout pits and 13 polythene sacks.
Overall Seizures and Impact
In total, the Navy said the operations led to the deactivation of 10 illegal refining sites and the seizure of about 20,950 litres of stolen crude oil and 6,395 litres of illegally refined AGO. The products were recovered from two locally fabricated ovens, 92 dugout pits, and 60 polythene sacks.
Capt. Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all illicit refining infrastructure and protect national assets in the Niger Delta. He emphasized that FOB Escravos will continue to operate decisively to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s economic lifelines.
The Nigerian Navy has in recent years intensified its efforts to combat oil theft and environmental degradation caused by illegal refining activities, which continue to pose a significant threat to the country’s economy and ecosystem.
