Navy dismantles five illegal refineries in Delta

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has deactivated five illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Warri.

He said a total of 13,050 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered during the operations. The crude was concealed in 30 dugout pits and three polythene sacks.

According to him, the illegal sites were dismantled in a series of coordinated operations between November 5 and November 19, following credible intelligence.

The exercise formed part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II, aimed at curbing oil theft and other maritime crimes.

Okoloagu explained that operatives dismantled two refining sites on November 5, recovering about 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Another site was taken down on November 14, yielding 3,850 litres, while two additional sites were destroyed on November 19 with 5,200 litres seized.

He warned those engaged in sabotaging the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure to desist or face prosecution, stressing that the operations align with directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to sustain pressure on economic saboteurs.

The commanding officer reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating illegal activities in the maritime domain and protecting the country’s critical economic assets.