HomeNewsNavy Dismantles Five Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta

Navy Dismantles Five Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta

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Key Points


  • Navy teams dismantle five illegal sites in Obodo Omadino

  • Officers seize more than 13,300 litres of stolen crude

  • Operations expand under Delta Sanity II with new intelligence


Personnel of the Nigerian Navy at Forward Operating Base Escravos have dismantled five illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.

The operations targeted crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other activities tied to the region’s black-market network.

The Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, briefed journalists in Warri on Tuesday. He explained that the sites were identified during a series of coordinated missions carried out over the past few days.

Over 13,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Seized

Okoloagu reported that naval personnel seized about 13,350 litres of stolen crude oil. The products were kept in 30 dugout pits and three polythene sacks before the team moved in.

He linked the results to Operation Delta Sanity II, which drives the Navy’s strategy to maintain pressure on groups behind economic sabotage in the region. He noted that the operation draws from intelligence shared with the base.

Three-Week Sweep in Obodo Omadino

The officer detailed the recent actions. On November 5, operatives acting on intelligence dismantled two illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino, Warri South West. The sites held roughly 4,000 litres of crude across 12 dugout pits.

Another site in the same area was pulled down on November 14. Officers recovered about 3,850 litres stored in seven dugout pits and three polythene sacks.

Two more sites were dismantled on November 19 in Obodo Omadino. Those locations held close to 5,200 litres kept in 11 dugout pits.

Navy Vows Sustained Pressure

Okoloagu noted that FOB Escravos will continue to remove illegal infrastructure and protect oil assets. He explained that the operations aim to boost crude output and reduce losses tied to vandalism and theft.

Earlier in November, the Nigerian Army reported similar actions. Troops arrested 14 suspects and seized more than 20,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Soldiers also dismantled 14 illegal refining sites in a separate two-week sweep.

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