The Nigerian Navy has dismantled 10 illegal oil refining sites in Delta State as part of its intensified crackdown on oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta region.
Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base Escravos, disclosed this in Warri on Thursday, stating that the operations were conducted in July 2025 under Operation Delta Sanity II.
According to Okoloagu, the raids followed credible intelligence and targeted illegal refining hotspots in Obodo Omadino and Oteghele communities within Warri South Local Government Area.
Major Seizures
– July 1: Three illegal sites destroyed, with 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,575 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) recovered.
– July 12: One site dismantled, yielding 2,300 litres of crude oil stored in pits.
– July 19: Another site uncovered, including a pumping machine.
– July 23: Two active sites deactivated, containing 2,300 litres of crude and 2,675 litres of AGO.
– July 28: Two more sites dismantled in Obodo Omadino.
In total, the Navy seized approximately 20,950 litres of stolen crude oil and 6,395 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with locally fabricated ovens, dugout pits, and polythene sacks used by the oil thieves.
Zero Tolerance for Oil Theft
Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, warning economic saboteurs to desist or face severe consequences.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in dismantling illegal refining operations and ensuring the nation’s resources are safeguarded,” he stated.
The operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to sustain pressure on oil thieves and other criminal elements undermining Nigeria’s economy.
This latest crackdown comes amid ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, which has cost Nigeria billions in lost revenue and environmental damage in the Niger Delta.
