The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling six illegal refining sites and confiscating over 11,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Delta State.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, is part of ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s oil production and curb economic sabotage in the region.
Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, confirmed the development while briefing journalists in Warri on Friday. He said the operation, conducted under Operation Delta Sanity II, was driven by credible intelligence.
“These achievements were recorded through coordinated efforts aimed at tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other related crimes in the Niger Delta,” Okoloagu said. “They are in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who has emphasised the need to sustain pressure on economic saboteurs.”
According to him, naval operatives deactivated six illegal refining sites and recovered approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks. The team also seized a pumping machine used for illicit refining activities.
“On October 2, 2025, our operatives, acting on actionable intelligence, dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West Local Government Area,” Okoloagu explained. “The sites contained 3,750 litres of stolen crude oil hidden in 10 dugout pits and six polythene sacks.
Two days later, on October 4, we destroyed two more sites, recovering 1,450 litres of stolen crude oil stored in five pits. Another two sites were taken down on October 6, yielding 6,000 litres of crude oil stored in 13 pits.”
Okoloagu reiterated the Navy’s determination to support the Federal Government’s drive to increase oil output and protect national assets.
He stated, “The FOB Escravos remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets against economic sabotage. Our operations will continue until these criminal networks are completely neutralised.”
The Navy has continued to step up enforcement operations across the Niger Delta in response to growing cases of oil theft. On August 1, 2025, the same naval base reported the destruction of 10 illegal refining sites within its area of operation.
