The Nigerian Navy says its operatives have destroyed six illegal refining sites in the Obodo Omadina community, Warri south LGA of Delta state.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Ikenna Okoloagu, commanding officer of the forward operating base (FOB) Escravos, said the sites were destroyed in three separate operations following credible information.
He said the successful operations, guided by actionable intelligence, were conducted as part of operation Delta sanity II.
Okoloagu added that the exercise was in line with the strategic directives of Emmanuel Ogalla, the chief of naval staff (CNS), in eradicating all forms of illegality in the nation’s territorial waters.
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“On April 21, 2025, following credible intelligence, FOB ESCRAVOS personnel discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino,” he said.
“The sites contained approximately 1,900 litres of stolen crude oil stored in two ovens and 10 dug-out pits.
“Building on this success, two additional illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled in the same area on May 4.
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“During this operation, approximately 3,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 330 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO), stored in 11 dug-out pits and 5 polythene sacks, were seized.
“Similarly, on May 11, the base identified and destroyed another two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino.
“The site contained an estimated 3,050 litres of stolen crude oil and 675 litres of illegally refined AGO, concealed within an oven, seven dug-out pits, and nine polythene sacks.”
Okoloagu said six illegal refining sites were dismantled in three raids, adding that operatives seized 8,660 litres of crude and 1,005 litres of AGO.
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The commanding officer added that the items were kept in three ovens, 28 dug-out pits, and 14 polythene sacks.
He warned those involved in the act to desist, saying the base remained committed to disrupting the activities of economic saboteurs.
