The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has deactivated eight illegal refining sites and apprehended three suspects in Delta State.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed this to journalists on Friday in Warri.
He said the refining sites were deactivated in a series of coordinated operations at Obodo Omadina Community, Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
The commander added that the operation was in line with the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II in the Niger Delta.
“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.
“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,” Okoloagu stated.
He explained that the anti-crude oil theft team was deployed to the Malu Jacket 19, offshore Escravos, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, on June 15, following receipt of credible information.
“The team on arrival discovered a wooden boat connected to the platform via a hose, siphoning crude oil.
“The boat, fitted with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, was seized and three suspects arrested.
“Additionally, one speedboat fitted with a 200HP Yamaha outboard engine was also impounded in the operation,” he concluded
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