NAVY SHUTS DOWN ILLEGAL REFINERIES IN DELTA, SEIZES STOLEN CRUDE

March 27, 2025

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The Nigerian Navy has ramped up its efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism with the discovery and dismantling of three illegal refining sites in Oteghele, a community in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operation was carried out by personnel from the Forward Operating Base Escravos on March 24, as part of Operation Delta Sanity II.

In an interview with journalists in Warri on Thursday, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, stated that the raid was conducted based on reliable intelligence.

“The operation led to the seizure of about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

“These were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks,” Okoloagu said.

He reiterated the Navy’s dedication to eliminating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, in accordance with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Okoloagu further emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and enhance the country’s crude oil production.