Nigerian Navy destroys five illegal refining sites in Niger Delta
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its campaign against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism with the destruction of five illegal refining sites uncovered in the creeks of the Niger Delta by operatives of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos.
The operation, carried out over the past few days, forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle illicit networks responsible for large-scale economic sabotage in the region.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, said the breakthroughs were achieved through a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven missions.
According to him, beyond shutting down the illegal sites, the troops also “seized approximately 13,350 litres of stolen crude oil” believed to have been siphoned by criminal elements.
“The products were discovered in 30 dugout pits and three polythene sacks,” he stated.
Okoloagu noted that the operations, executed under Operation Delta Sanity II, were guided by credible intelligence and aligned with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), who has mandated sustained pressure on oil thieves and pipeline vandals.
He explained that the series of raids were carried out over a three-week period.
“Specifically, on 5 November 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The sites contained about 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored across 12 dugout pits.
“Subsequently, on 14 November 2025, an additional site was dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of about 3,850 litres of stolen crude oil stored in seven dugout pits and three Polythene sacs.
“Additionally, on 19 November 2025, two sites were also dismantled at Obodo Omadino, leading to the recovery of about 5,200 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 11 dugout pits,” he added.
The Navy restated its commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on oil theft syndicates and ensuring the protection of national assets in the Niger Delta.