The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has deactivated 10 illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, as part of ongoing efforts to curb oil theft and protect national assets.
The operation, which spanned the month of July 2025, was conducted at Obodo Omadino community under Operation DELTA SANITY II, according to a statement released on Thursday by Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos.
Okoloagu said the series of coordinated raids were guided by credible intelligence and aligned with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to sustain pressure on economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta.
“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 Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he stated.
Breakdown of the operations includes:
July 1: Three sites dismantled; 7,200 litres of crude oil and 1,575 litres of AGO recovered.
July 12: One site dismantled at Oteghele, yielding 2,300 litres of crude oil.
July 19: Another site uncovered with a pumping machine at Oteghele.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Navy Seizes 13,800 Litres of Petrol, 71 Bags of Rice
July 23: Two active sites dismantled with 2,300 litres of crude oil and 2,675 litres of AGO recovered.
July 28: Two more sites deactivated, followed by one final site at Obodo Omadino.
In total, the seized products were found in two locally fabricated ovens, 92 dugout pits, and 60 polythene sacks, indicating the scale and sophistication of the illicit operations.
Captain Okoloagu reiterated the Navy’s commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, warning that individuals involved in oil theft and illegal refining should desist or face the full wrath of the law.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified anti-bunkering activities across the Niger Delta as part of broader national security and economic protection efforts.