The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos, has successfully deactivated three illegal refineries operating in Oteghele community, located in Obodo-Omadino, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
During the operation, naval forces discovered and seized over 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The illicit products were concealed using two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, several drums, and 26 polythene sacks, highlighting the sophisticated yet crude techniques employed by illegal refiners in the region.
According to naval officials, this successful raid was part of Operation Delta Sanity 2, an ongoing security initiative designed to combat crude oil theft, illegal refineries, and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta. The operation, which is intelligence-driven, underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to protecting the country’s natural resources and securing its maritime environment.
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The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has reiterated the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy for illegal activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters. He emphasized that the military remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle all illegal refining sites, disrupt oil theft networks, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Illegal refining has remained a major challenge in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, causing severe environmental damage, economic losses, and security threats. These unauthorized operations contribute to pipeline vandalism, pollution, and reduced national crude oil output, which significantly affects government revenues and the overall economy.
The Nigerian Navy has urged residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against oil theft. As operations intensify, authorities have warned that anyone involved in crude oil theft or illegal refining will face the full wrath of the law.
