The Nigerian Navy has sealed up two illegal refining sites in the Obodo Omadino area of Delta State.
The operation executed by troops of Forward Operating Base Escravos in the state led to the recovery of an estimated 3,050 litres of stolen crude oil.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed on Monday that 675 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed in an oven was also recovered.
Others include seven dug-out pits and nine polythene sacks.
Speaking to the press in Warri, Okoloagu said the operations are guided by actionable intelligence aimed at enhancing daily crude oil output and combating economic sabotage.
He said, “In total, the three operations led to the deactivation of six illegal refining sites, with the seizure of approximately 8,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,005 litres of illegally refined AGO”.
“The materials were found in three ovens, 28 dug-out pits and 14 polythene sacks.
“Notably, on 21 April 2025, following credible intelligence, FOB Escravos personnel discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The sites contained approximately 1,900 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 2 ovens and 10 dug-out pits.
“Building on this success, two additional illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled in the same area on 4 May 2025.
“During this operation, approximately 3,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 330 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized and stored in 11 dug-out pits and 5 polythene sacks.”
Speaking further, the commanding officer maintained that the FOB Escravos remain committed to frustrating the activities of economic saboteurs and ensuring that the country derives maximum benefits from its crude oil resources.
