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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy says its operatives have shut down six illegal refining camps in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Commanding Officer of the FOB, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Warri.
According to him, the breakthrough was the result of sustained intelligence-led operations carried out between September 3 and September 24 at Obodo Omadino community.
“On September 3, 2025, men of the Nigerian Navy, acting on actionable intelligence, dismantled three illegal refining sites in the community containing 2,850 litres of stolen crude oil stored across 11 dugout pits,” he revealed.
He continued: “Subsequently, on September 9, 2025, one additional site was dismantled, also at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 12 dugout pits and four polythene sacks.
“Also, on September 14, 2025, the team, while maintaining operational momentum, following credible intelligence, discovered another two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino community, laden with 3,400 litres of crude oil in 11 dugout pits and three polythene sacks.
“Additionally, on September 24, 2025, one additional site was dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of 3,950 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 18 dugout pits. Items recovered were one pumping machine and about 22 yards of hose.”
The commanding officer explained that in total, about 11,550 litres of stolen crude were seized during the operations. The products, he said, were hidden in 52 dugout pits and seven polythene sacks.
He stressed that the operation was part of Operation DELTA SANITY II, which is geared towards flushing out oil thieves and saboteurs from the nation’s maritime environment.
Okoloagu also pointed out that the actions were in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, to rid the waterways and coastal communities of illegal activities.