- The Nigerian Navy said the operation followed credible intelligence that led to the discovery of illegal oil refining sites in Warri South-West, Delta State.
- About 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered from dugout pits and polythene sacks during the raids.
- The operation was part of Operation Delta Sanity II, which aims to end crude oil theft and boost Nigeria’s daily oil production.
- Navy officers reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling illegal oil refineries and safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully dismantling six illegal oil refining sites and recovering about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil.
Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, revealed this in Warri while speaking with journalists on Friday. He explained that the operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sanity II, was based on credible intelligence and executed with precision.
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According to Captain Okoloagu, the Navy’s recent success aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who has mandated continuous pressure on economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta.
“Following a series of coordinated activities, our team deactivated six illegal refining sites and seized roughly 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil. The products were found in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks. We also recovered a pumping machine used by the operators,” he stated.
Providing a breakdown of the operation, Captain Okoloagu said that on October 2, naval officers raided Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where they discovered and dismantled three illegal refining camps. About 3,750 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered during that raid.
On October 4, the operatives struck again, destroying two more refining sites and recovering another 1,450 litres of stolen crude. Two days later, on October 6, two additional illegal sites were neutralized, yielding 6,000 litres of crude oil.
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He added that the success of these operations contributes to the Federal Government’s efforts to increase daily oil output and stop the economic drain caused by crude theft. “FOB Escravos remains fully committed to protecting the nation’s oil assets and ensuring that illegal refining activities are completely eradicated,” Okoloagu reaffirmed.
Earlier in August, the Navy had also deactivated ten illegal refining sites in similar operations across the Niger Delta, highlighting the consistency of its ongoing efforts.
