Personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos raided Oteghele community in Obodo Omadinho, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday night, uncovering and deactivating two illegal refining sites.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, who led the operation, told journalists that the sites contained approximately 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). These were stored in one oven, nine dug-out pits, and 28 polythene sacks.
Operation Delta Sanity II in Action
Captain Okoloagu revealed that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence in support of Operation Delta Sanity II, which aims to curb crude oil theft and other economic sabotage activities.
“The sustained fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other acts of economic sabotage supports efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production quantity,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the operation aligns with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to eliminate all forms of illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Continued Crackdown on Oil Theft
This latest crackdown comes just two weeks after operatives of FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites in Obodo, Omadinho community. That operation led to the seizure of 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO, found in five ovens, 12 dug-out pits, and 33 polythene sacks.
Navy’s Warning to Oil Thieves
Captain Okoloagu reiterated his warning to individuals engaged in illegal oil refining, stressing that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts to bring economic saboteurs to justice.
“The Navy Base will stop at nothing to deny them freedom of action and ensure that they are brought to justice,” he declared.
The Nigerian Navy’s renewed crackdown on illegal refining sites is part of broader efforts to protect national economic assets and strengthen maritime security in the Niger Delta region.
 Escravos raided Oteghele community in Obodo Omadinho, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, on Friday night, uncovering and deactivating two illegal refining sites.){kind=link}