Delta State, Nigeria – Personnel from the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have successfully raided and sealed three illegal refining sites in Delta State. The operation, conducted in the Obodo area of the Omadino riverine community in Warri South West Local Government Area, uncovered significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The sites contained approximately 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO, stored in five ovens, 12 dug-out pits, and 33 polythene sacks. The raid was carried out as part of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, aimed at curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta region.
Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, led the operation and briefed journalists on the success of the mission. He stated that the raid was based on credible intelligence and demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to achieving the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla, to eliminate illegal activities in the maritime environment.
“The operation further highlights the commitment of FOB Escravos to achieving the objectives of the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla, in rooting out all forms of illegal activities within the maritime environment,” Okoloagu said.
He issued a stern warning to economic saboteurs involved in illegal oil activities, emphasizing that the Navy would not relent in its efforts to bring them to justice. “We warn potential economic saboteurs in the oil sector to desist from illegal activities. The base will stop at nothing to deny them freedom of action and ensure they are brought to justice,” he stated.
Okoloagu also assured the public that the Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other acts of economic sabotage. He reiterated that such operations would continue to yield positive results, safeguarding the nation’s resources and ensuring a secure maritime environment.
The successful raid underscores the Nigerian Navy’s determination to combat illegal refining and oil theft, which have long plagued the Niger Delta region. Stakeholders have commended the efforts of the FOB Escravos team, calling for sustained operations to protect the nation’s economy and environment.