In a sustained clampdown on crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has demolished eight illegal refining sites across the creeks of the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos, resulted in the seizure of over 16,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 1,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
FOB Commander, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed the development during a media briefing in Warri, Delta State. According to him, the raids were executed in phases between May 14 and May 26 at refining camps located in Obodo Omadino and Oteghele in Warri South-West Local Government Area.
“These operations, conducted under Operation Delta Sanity II and guided by actionable intelligence, demonstrate our resolve to eliminate economic sabotage in the nation’s maritime domain,” Okoloagu stated.
He explained that the illegal facilities were uncovered and demolished in three separate operations: two sites on May 14, three on May 19, and another three on May 26. The confiscated materials were hidden in dugout pits, ovens, and polythene sacks.
Reaffirming the Navy’s commitment, Okoloagu stressed that FOB Escravos would not relent in its efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and curb illicit activities in the region.
