Personnel of the navy’s Forward Operating Base Escravos have successfully deactivated eight illegal refining sites, seizing over 16,000 litres of stolen crude oil and curbing significant economic sabotage.
The operations, conducted under ‘Operation DELTA SANITY II’, were revealed by the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, during a media briefing in Warri.
He emphasized that the offensive was part of the navy’s ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil output and eliminate maritime-related crimes.
“In total, the three operations led to the deactivation of eight illegal refining sites, with the seizure of approximately 16,040 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” Capt. Okoloagu stated.
According to the navy, the materials were found hidden in two locally-fabricated ovens, 43 dugout pits, and 18 polythene sacks, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the illicit operations.
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He said on May 14, 2025, two illegal refining sites were dismantled at Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West Local Government Area, with naval officers recovering 5,625 litres of stolen crude oil stored in one oven and 17 dugout pits.
Similarly, on May 19, 2025, Capt. Okoloagu, revealed that another three illegal sites were uncovered in the same area, with 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of illegally refined AGO found in one oven, five dugout pits, and 18 sacks.
Also, on May 26, 2025, he added that naval officers during an operation at Oteghele, also in Obodo Omadino, discovered three more sites and 7,915 litres of crude oil hidden in 21 dugout pits.”
Capt. Okoloagu reiterated that the missions were driven by credible intelligence and aligned with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“FOB Escravos remains committed to its mandate of disrupting the operations of economic saboteurs and ensuring that Nigeria harnesses the full benefits of its natural resources,” Capt. Okoloagu affirmed.