By Ayo Kehinde q
The Nigerian Navy has dismantled six illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, seizing 11,550 litres of stolen crude oil.
The operation, carried out by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, was part of ongoing efforts to curb oil theft, safeguard national assets, and boost Nigeria’s crude production.
Briefing journalists in Warri on Sunday, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, said the raids were executed under Operation Delta Sanity II following credible intelligence.
He added that the exercise was in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to sustain pressure on economic saboteurs.
“The products were discovered in 52 dugout pits and seven polythene sacks. We also recovered one pumping machine and about 22 yards of hose,” Okoloagu said.
Giving a breakdown of the operation, Okoloagu explained that on September 3, three illegal refining sites containing 2,850 litres of crude were destroyed.
On September 9, another site was uncovered, with 2,000 litres recovered from 12 dugout pits and four polythene sacks.
On September 14, two additional sites were dismantled, yielding 3,400 litres stored in 11 dugout pits and three sacks. On September 24, one more site was destroyed, where 3,950 litres were found alongside a pumping machine and hoses.
Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to maintain momentum against oil thieves.
“FOB Escravos remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and protecting Nigeria’s oil assets from economic sabotage,” he said.
