In a major offensive against crude oil theft and economic sabotage, operatives of the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have dismantled 10 illegal refining sites hidden within the creeks of the Niger Delta.
The operations, which were carried out in various parts of Delta State throughout July 2025, led to the seizure of approximately 20,950 litres of stolen crude oil and 6,395 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Commander of the FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, made the disclosure in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday, stating that the efforts were part of the Operation Delta Sanity II, an initiative guided by the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
“These missions were enabled through credible intelligence and reflect our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic assets by maintaining unrelenting pressure on oil thieves and pipeline vandals,” Okoloagu said.
According to the commanding officer, operations spanned key dates and locations:
July 1: Three illegal sites dismantled in Obodo Omadino with 7,200 litres of crude oil and 1,575 litres of refined AGO seized.
July 12: Another site uncovered at Oteghele, with 2,300 litres of crude recovered.
July 19: Yet another site dismantled in Oteghele, yielding 4,200 litres of crude oil.
July 23: Two more sites at Obodo Omadino deactivated, recovering 2,300 litres of crude and 2,675 litres of AGO.
July 27: Two active sites shut down with 2,650 litres of crude oil and 1,200 litres of AGO.
July 30: Final site deactivated with 3,200 litres of stolen crude and 945 litres of AGO recovered.
Across these operations, the Navy also uncovered multiple dugout pits, ovens, and makeshift storage systems used to process and transport the illicit products.
Captain Okoloagu assured that the Navy would sustain the tempo and continue to collaborate with intelligence sources and stakeholders to ensure the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
He reiterated: “The FOB Escravos remains resolute in dismantling illegal refining operations and defending our national economic interests.”
