Navy intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Refineries in Delta, seizes stolen Crude

The Nigerian Navy has ramped up its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal refineries, uncovering and dismantling three illicit refining sites in Oteghele, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos carried out the raid on March 24 as part of Operation Delta Sanity II a sustained effort to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.  
Speaking to journalists in Warri on Thursday,  the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, revealed that the operation was based on credible intelligence and led to significant seizures.  

“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). These were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks.”

Captain Okoloagu emphasized that the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in eradicating illegal activities in the country’s maritime domain, aligning with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.  

"This operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb oil theft and boost the country’s crude oil production. We will continue to carry out these operations relentlessly to protect Nigeria’s economic interests,” he stated.  

The latest crackdown underscores the Navy’s intensified vigilance in the Niger Delta, a region long plagued by crude oil theft and environmental degradation caused by illegal refineries.  

As security forces tighten their grip on oil vandals, the success of Operation Delta Sanity II signals a strong deterrent to those engaging in illicit activities that threaten Nigeria’s oil sector.