The Nigerian Navy has intensified its fight against oil theft with the destruction of 10 illegal refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, was part of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II. It resulted in the seizure of large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
Speaking in Warri, Delta State, the Commanding Officer of the Base, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, described the feat as a significant milestone in efforts to curb economic sabotage and restore sanity in the oil-rich region. He noted that the success was driven by credible intelligence and the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who had ordered sustained pressure on oil thieves and vandals.
Okoloagu revealed that the refining sites were discovered and dismantled in various locations within Obodo Omadino and Oteghele, areas notorious for illicit oil activities. He added that the operations, conducted throughout July, uncovered thousands of litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in dugout pits, polythene sacks, and locally fabricated ovens.
The Navy officer assured that FOB Escravos would not relent in its mission to dismantle all illegal refining infrastructure and protect Nigeria’s oil assets. He said the Base remained committed to dismantling the economic backbone of oil thieves and restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s oil sector.
