The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has deactivated eight illegal refining sites and arrested three suspects in Delta State. This was revealed by the Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, during a media briefing on Friday in Warri.
Okoloagu explained that the operations took place at Obodo Omadino Community in Warri South as part of Operation DELTA SANITY II. He said the raids followed credible intelligence and were consistent with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, to maintain pressure on economic saboteurs.
On June 6, the Navy dismantled three refining sites containing 4,660 litres of stolen crude and 1,125 litres of illegally refined diesel. A week later, on June 13, two more sites were uncovered at Oteghele, where 8,400 litres of stolen crude were recovered.
Further action on June 19 saw three additional sites destroyed at Oteghele. The Navy recovered 7,650 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,100 litres of illegal diesel stored in pits and sacks.
In a separate operation on June 15, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat siphoning crude oil from Chevron’s Malu Jacket 19 offshore platform. The team seized the vessel, its engine, and arrested three suspects linked to the theft.
Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to protect national oil assets and issued a stern warning to oil thieves. He urged criminals to abandon their illegal activities or face severe consequences.
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