The Nigerian Nigerian Navy, through its Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, has sealed six illegal refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta region, as part of ongoing efforts to curb oil theft and boost Nigeria’s crude oil output.
The operation, carried out under Operation Delta Sanity II, also led to the recovery of about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil, according to a statement made by the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, on Friday in Warri, Delta State.
Okoloagu said the success of the mission was driven by actionable intelligence and formed part of the Chief of Naval Staff’s renewed strategic push to eliminate oil theft networks in the region.
“The significant operational successes in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta align with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla,” he stated.
“These achievements were made possible through credible intelligence and sustained pressure on economic saboteurs.”
The naval chief detailed that a series of coordinated operations between October 2 and October 6, 2025, resulted in the destruction of the illegal refining sites located in Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
“Following a series of coordinated operations, FOB Escravos deactivated six illegal refining sites and seized approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil.
“The products were discovered in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks, while one pumping machine was also recovered,” the Okoloagu noted.
He further explained that: “On October 2, operatives dismantled three refining sites, seizing 3,750 litres of crude oil stored across 10 dugout pits and six sacks. On October 4, another two sites were destroyed, with 1,450 litres recovered from five dugout pits.
“On October 6, two additional sites were taken down, yielding 6,000 litres of stolen crude from 13 pits.”
Captain Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to sustain its clampdown on illegal oil refining and sabotage in the Niger Delta.
“This operation supports the Federal Government’s efforts to boost crude oil production and curb economic sabotage,” he said.
“FOB Escravos remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil assets.”
It was reported on August 1, 2025, that personnel of the same base destroyed 10 illegal refining sites in earlier operations across the Niger Delta creeks.
The Navy has consistently intensified surveillance and intelligence operations in the oil-producing region amid national efforts to curb crude losses and meet production targets.
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