Navy shuts six illegal refineries in Delta

THE Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, with operatives of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos deactivating six illegal refining sites and recovering over 11,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

The operations, carried out under Operation Delta Sanity II, targeted refining camps around Obodo Omadino in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to naval authorities, the raids were guided by credible intelligence and align with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

On 3 September, personnel dismantled two refining sites containing 2,850 litres of stolen crude oil stored in 11 dugout pits.

A similar operation on 9 September led to the recovery of 2,000 litres, while two more sites were discovered on 14 September with 3,400 litres concealed in 11 pits and three polythene sacks.

Sustaining the momentum, the Navy struck again on 24 September, shutting down another refining hub holding 3,950 litres of crude oil.

Items seized during the operations included 52 dugout pits, seven polythene sacks, a pumping machine, and 22 yards of hose.

A spokesperson for the base said the feats underscore the Navy’s determination to “sustain pressure on economic saboteurs and safeguard the nation’s oil assets.”

FOB Escravos pledged to continue its clampdown on illegal refineries and other forms of pipeline vandalism, describing them as “a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability.”