Navy Deactivates Six Illegal Refining Sites in N’Delta, Seizes 11,550 Litres of Stolen Crude

The Nigerian Navy has ramped up its offensive against crude oil theft and economic sabotage, successfully deactivating six illegal refining sites in Delta State and seizing 11,550 litres of stolen crude oil.

The operation was executed by personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos in a series of targeted raids at the Obodo Omadino community in Warri South-West Local Government Area.

Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, who disclosed the details to journalists on Sunday, stated that the successful actions were carried out under Operation Delta Sanity II. This operation, he noted, aligns directly with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal), which mandates sustained pressure on economic saboteurs to enhance Nigeria’s crude oil output and protect national assets.

Captain Okoloagu provided a breakdown of the coordinated operation, which occurred across September:

• September 3, 2025: Three illegal refining sites were dismantled, yielding 2,850 litres of stolen crude oil across 11 dugout pits.
• September 9, 2025: Operatives dismantled one site, recovering 2,000 litres of crude from 12 dugout pits and four polythene sacks.
• September 14, 2025: Two additional sites were discovered and destroyed, laden with 3,400 litres of crude oil in 11 dugout pits and three polythene sacks.
• September 24, 2025: A final site was dismantled, leading to the recovery of 3,950 litres of crude stored in 18 dugout pits, alongside one pumping machine and 22 yards of hose.

Cumulatively, the Navy seized the 11,550 litres of stolen crude oil concealed within a total of 52 dugout pits and seven polythene sacks across the six deactivated sites.

Captain Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s determination to sustain the current operational momentum, stating that FOB Escravos remains “unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets against economic sabotage.”