The Nigerian Navy personnel attached to Forward Operating Base Escravos have destroyed five illegal refining sites in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
This is as part of the sustained fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related illicit activities in the region.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, while speaking to journalists on Tuesday, said the significant operational successes were recorded in a series of coordinated operations within the past few days.
According to him, apart from the deactivation of the five illegal refining sites, the naval personnel “seized approximately 13,350 litres of stolen crude oil” from the hoodlums.
“The products were discovered in 30 dugout pits and three polythene sacks,” he stated.
Captain Okoloagu stressed that the feats recorded under the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, were made possible through credible intelligence and align with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), which emphasises sustained pressure on economic saboteurs.
Specifically, on 5 November 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The sites contained about 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored across 12 dugout pits.
Subsequently, on 14 November 2025, an additional site was dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of about 3,850 litres of stolen crude oil stored in seven dugout pits and three Polythene sacs.
Additionally, on 19 November 2025, two sites were also dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of about 5,200 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 11 dugout pits,” he added.
