Navy Destroys Six Illegal Refineries, Recovers 11,200 Litres of Stolen Crude

Navy destroys six illegal refineries, recovers 11,200 litres of stolen crude.
Operation Delta Sanity II targets oil theft networks in Niger Delta.
FOB Escravos vows to sustain clampdown on illegal refining activities.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the operation, executed by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos under Operation Delta Sanity II, took place between October 2 and 6, 2025, across creeks in Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, who briefed journalists on Friday in Warri, said the operation was based on credible intelligence and formed part of the Chief of Naval Staff’s renewed strategy to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

“The operation aligns with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to sustain pressure on oil thieves and other economic saboteurs,” Okoloagu said. “Our men deactivated six illegal refining sites and seized about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil.”

According to him, the products were found stored in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks, while a pumping machine used in the illegal refining process was also recovered.

Okoloagu added that the operations were executed in stages—three refining sites were dismantled on October 2, with 3,750 litres recovered, while another two were destroyed on October 4, yielding 1,450 litres. Two more sites were deactivated on October 6, resulting in the seizure of 6,000 litres of stolen crude.

The naval commander reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s goal of boosting crude oil output and safeguarding national economic assets.