Personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos have successfully dismantled five illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta, seizing thousands of litres of stolen crude in a decisive blow against economic sabotage.
Speaking to journalists in Warri on Tuesday, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, described the operations as a result of coordinated efforts guided by precise intelligence. “According to him, these successes have been achieved in recent days through sustained vigilance and, in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, have been firmly aligned with ongoing operational objectives.”
Operations Across Obodo Omadino Yield Significant Seizures
According to Capt. Okoloagu, naval operatives acted on actionable intelligence to dismantle two illegal refining sites on November 5, 2025, at Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The operation recovered about 4,000 litres of stolen crude oil hidden in 12 dugout pits.
On November 14, authorities dismantled a third site in the area, seizing an additional 3,850 litres of crude from seven dugout pits and three polythene sacks.Further operations on November 19 led to the destruction of two more sites, recovering approximately 5,200 litres of crude oil from 11 dugout pits.
In total, the Navy seized around 13,350 litres of stolen crude oil, effectively disrupting illegal refining activities in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
Sustained Effort to Protect Nigeria’s Oil Assets
Capt. Okoloagu emphasised that FOB Escravos remains committed to dismantling illicit refining infrastructure to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and boost legitimate crude oil production. “Our operations are ongoing, aimed at applying continuous pressure on economic saboteurs and safeguarding national oil assets,” he said.
Moreover, these actions build on earlier efforts by the Nigerian Army, 6 Division. During a two-week operation reported on November 11, the army arrested 14 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 14 illegal refining sites, thereby seizing over 20,000 litres of petroleum products in the Niger Delta.