By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy attached to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have sealed six illegal refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta region.
The naval officers also recovered about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil from the illegal refinery sites.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, who disclosed this to journalists in Warri, Delta State, on Friday, October 10, noted that operations were part of the ongoing Federal Government’s efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil output and combat economic sabotage.
Navy Captain Okoloagu noted that “these achievements, recorded under the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, were made possible through credible intelligence.
“The significant operational successes in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta also align with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal), which emphasise sustained pressure on economic saboteurs.”
Giving details of the exploits, Okoloagu said, “Following a series of coordinated operations, FOB Escravos deactivated six illegal refining sites and seized approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil. The products were discovered in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks. Also, one pumping machine was recovered.
“Specifically, on 2 October 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The sites contained 3,750 litres of stolen crude oil stored across 10 dugout pits and polythene sacks.
“Subsequently, on 4 October 2025, two additional sites were dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of 1,450 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 5 dugout pits.
“Additionally, on 6 October 2025, two sites were also dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 13 dugout pits.”
