The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has destroyed eight illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Warri, stating that the sites were dismantled during three separate operations at Obodo Omadino Community.
He said the raids were conducted under Operation DELTA SANITY II, following credible intelligence.
“These successful operations reflect our firm commitment to the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at eliminating all forms of maritime illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters,” Okoloagu said.
According to him, the first operation was carried out on May 14, uncovering and destroying two illegal refining sites containing 5,625 litres of stolen crude oil stored in one oven and 17 dugout pits.
On May 19, a second raid led to the discovery of three more illegal sites in the same community, where 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered from one oven, five dugout pits, and 18 polythene sacks.
A follow-up operation on May 20 at Oteghele, also in Obodo Omadino, uncovered another three refining sites, yielding 7,915 litres of stolen crude oil hidden in 21 dugout pits.
In total, the three operations resulted in the deactivation of eight illegal refining sites and the seizure of about 16,040 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,650 litres of refined AGO, found in two ovens, 43 dugout pits, and 18 sacks.
Okoloagu warned those involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining to desist or face the full weight of the law, reaffirming the base’s resolve to sustain its offensive against maritime crimes.
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