Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on oil theft, dismantling six illegal refining sites in the Obodo Omadino community of Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Warri by Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos.
According to Capt. Okoloagu, the successful raid was carried out during a series of coordinated operations conducted between September 3 and 24. The action, he said, followed “credible intelligence” and forms part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II.
“This operation is in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, to rid our maritime environment of all forms of illegal activities,” Okoloagu stated.
He revealed that the team recovered an estimated 11,550 litres of stolen crude oil, which had been concealed in 52 dugout pits and seven large polythene sacks. In addition, they confiscated one pumping machine and about 22 yards of industrial hose used at the illicit sites.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on oil thieves and securing the nation’s maritime domain.
