The Nigerian Navy has intensified its fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism with the discovery and dismantling of three illegal refining sites in Oteghele, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos carried out the operation on March 24 as part of Operation Delta Sanity II.
Seizure of Stolen Crude and Illegal Refinery Equipment
Speaking with journalists in Warri on Thursday, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, stated that the raid was based on credible intelligence.
“The operation led to the seizure of about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.
The seized products were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks, all of which were destroyed to prevent further illegal activities.
Navy’s Commitment to Securing Nigeria’s Maritime Domain
Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s determination to eradicate illegal refining activities and oil theft, aligning with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
He emphasized that such operations are crucial in curbing oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, which remains a priority for national economic stability.
