The Nigerian Navy, through its Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, has dismantled six illegal oil refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta and recovered approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and combat economic sabotage in the region.

The Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed the development to journalists in Warri on Friday. He said the success of the operations, conducted under Operation Delta Sanity II, was based on “credible intelligence.”

“The significant operational successes in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related illicit activities in the Niger Delta also align with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, which emphasise sustained pressure on economic saboteurs,” Captain Okoloagu said.

He provided a detailed account of the operations, noting that “following a series of coordinated activities, 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. Additionally, one pumping machine was recovered.”

Captain Okoloagu said that on 2 October, naval operatives dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West Local Government Area, recovering 3,750 litres of stolen crude stored in 10 dugout pits and six polythene sacks. On 4 October, two further sites were dismantled, yielding 1,450 litres in five dugout pits.

Finally, on 6 October, two additional sites were deactivated, with 6,000 litres recovered from 13 dugout pits.

The Commanding Officer stressed that the operation supports Federal Government efforts to increase daily crude oil output and curtail economic sabotage. He assured that “FOB Escravos remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets.”

Earlier in August, the Navy had destroyed ten illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of similar operations aimed at securing the nation’s oil resources.