The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has successfully deactivated six illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadina Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, according to Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu.

Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, revealed that the operations were conducted in three separate missions following credible intelligence reports. The successful operations were executed as part of Operation Delta Sanity II, in line with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at eradicating illegal activities in Nigeria's territorial waters.

"On April 21, 2025, following credible intelligence, FOB ESCRAVOS personnel discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino. The sites contained approximately 1,900 litres of stolen crude oil stored in two ovens and 10 dug-out pits," Okoloagu stated.

The commanding officer further detailed that on May 4, two additional illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled in the same area, resulting in the seizure of approximately 3,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 330 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in 11 dug-out pits and 5 polythene sacks.

In the most recent operation on May 11, the Base identified and destroyed another two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino, containing an estimated 3,050 litres of stolen crude oil and 675 litres of illegally refined AGO, concealed within an oven, seven dug-out pits, and nine polythene sacks.

Cumulatively, the three operations led to the deactivation of six illegal refining sites with approximately 8,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,005 litres of illegally refined AGO seized. The products were stored in three ovens, 28 dug-out pits, and 14 polythene sacks.

Okoloagu issued a stern warning to perpetrators to desist from these illegal activities, reaffirming the Base's commitment to frustrating the operations of economic saboteurs in the region. The Nigerian Navy continues to intensify efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities that have plagued the Niger Delta region for years.