The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has taken decisive action against economic sabotage in the region, deactivating eight illegal refining sites and apprehending three suspects.
According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the operations were conducted in line with Operation DELTA SANITY II, which aims to curb economic sabotage in the region.
He said the operations, carried out in a series of coordinated efforts, resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. Specifically, on June 6, 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadina Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said the sites contained 4,660 liters of stolen crude oil and 1,125 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in one oven, 19 dugout pits, and 15 polythene sacks.
Further operations on June 13, 2025, led to the dismantling of two additional sites at Oteghele, also within Obodo Omadina. The operation resulted in the recovery of 8,400 liters of stolen crude oil, stored in 21 dugout pits.
Additionally, on June 19, 2025, three more illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled at Oteghele, yielding an estimated 7,650 liters of stolen crude oil and 2,100 liters of illegally refined AGO, recovered from 26 dugout pits and 28 polythene sacks.
In total, the Base deactivated eight illegal refining sites and seized approximately 20,710 liters of stolen crude oil and 3,225 liters of illegally refined AGO. The products were discovered in two locally fabricated ovens, 66 dugout pits, and 43 polythene sacks.
The Navy also impounded two boats, including one fitted with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine and another with a 200HP Yamaha outboard engine, which were used in the illicit activities.
The Commanding Officer emphasized the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas assets, warning perpetrators to desist from the illicit act or face the full wrath of the law.
He said the operations were carried out based on credible intelligence, and the Navy remains determined to tackle economic sabotage in the region.
In a related development, the Navy deployed a team of anti-crude oil theft operatives to the Malu Jacket 19, offshore Escravos, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, on June 15, 2025, following credible information.
“Upon arrival, the team discovered a wooden boat connected to the platform via a hose, siphoning crude oil.
“The boat, fitted with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, was seized, and three suspects were arrested.
