The Forward Operating Base Escravos of the Nigerian Navy says it has deactivated eight illegal refineries and apprehended three suspects.

Ikenna Okoloagu, the commanding officer of the FOB, disclosed this on Friday in Warri.

Mr Okoloagu said the illegal refineries were deactivated in a series of coordinated operations at Obodo Omadina Community, Warri South LGA.

He said the operation was in line with the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II, which, according to him, is based on credible intelligence.

Mr Okoloagu added that the operations aligned with the directives of the chief of naval staff, Emmanuel Ogalla.

“Specifically, on June 6, 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community. The sites contained 4,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,125 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) stored in one oven, 19 dugout pits and 15 polythene sacks.

“Also, on June 13, two additional sites were dismantled at Oteghele, also within Obodo Omadino. The operation led to the recovery of 8,400 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 21 dugout pits. Similarly, on June 19, 2025, three additional illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled at Oteghele,” Mr Okoloagu explained.

He added, “An estimated 7,650 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered from 26 dugout pits and 28 polythene sacks. Cumulatively, the base deactivated eight illegal refining sites and seized approximately 20,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,225 litres of illegally refined AGO. The products were discovered in two locally fabricated ovens, 66 dugout pits and 43 polythene sacks.”

Mr Okoloagu also mentioned that a team to combat crude oil theft was deployed to the Malu Jacket 19, offshore Escravos, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, on June 15, following credible information.

He said that upon arrival, the team discovered a wooden boat connected to the platform via a hose, syphoning crude oil.

“The boat, fitted with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, was seized, and three suspects were arrested. Additionally, one speedboat fitted with a 200 HP Yamaha outboard engine was also impounded in the operation,” Mr Okoloagu said.

The commander expressed the base’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas assets. He warned perpetrators to desist from the illicit act or face the full wrath of the law. 

(NAN)