Personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have deactivated six illegal refining sites in a series of coordinated operations at the Obodo Omadino community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
During the operations, approximately 11,550 litres of stolen crude oil were seized.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, speaking to journalists in Warri on Sunday, said: ‘The products were discovered in 52 dugout pits and seven polythene sacks. Also, one pumping machine with about 22 yards of hose was recovered’.
Okoloagu stated that the achievements were recorded under the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, made possible through credible intelligence and aligned with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm Emmanuel Ogalla.
He added that the exploit was also part of ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil output and combat economic sabotage.
According to him, ‘On 3 September 2025, men of the Nigerian Navy, acting on actionable intelligence, dismantled three illegal refining sites in the community containing 2,850 litres of stolen crude oil stored across 11 dugout pits.
‘Subsequently, on 9 September 2025, one additional site was dismantled, also at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 12 dugout pits and four polythene sacks.
‘Also, on 14 September 2025, the team, while maintaining operational momentum, following credible intelligence, discovered another two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino community, laden with 3,400 litres of crude oil in 11 dugout pits and three polythene sacks.
‘Additionally, on 24 September 2025, one additional site was dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of 3,950 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 18 dugout pits. Items recovered were one pumping machine and about 22 yards of hose’.
Okoloagu said the FOB Escravos remained unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets against economic sabotage.
