The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has discovered and destroyed an illegal oil refining site hidden deep in the creeks of the Niger Delta region. This was made known by the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, during a press briefing in Warri, Delta State, on Saturday.
The operation, which began on June 19, 2025, was carried out by a team of fourteen naval personnel using two gunboats and a speedboat.
According to Commodore Zubairu, the mission followed credible intelligence reports about suspicious movements and activities by oil thieves around the creeks.
Acting on this tip, the naval team proceeded to the Obotebe community located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
At the coordinates Lat 5.381734⁰N and Long 5.587105⁰E, the team discovered a site used for refining stolen crude oil. Commodore Zubairu noted, “The team proceeded to Obotebe community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State at coordinates Lat 5.381734⁰N and long 5.587105⁰e, where they discovered a dump site used for the illegal refining activities.”
Items found at the site included a 1.5 Horsepower Yamaha engine, a generator, six pumping machines, and two large rolls of industrial hoses, among other tools used to carry out the illegal refining operations. These materials were destroyed on site to prevent further misuse.
The operation was carried out under the ongoing military effort named Operation Delta Sanity II, which falls under the direct instructions and strategic objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Navy, through this initiative, aims to reduce crude oil theft, protect vital oil infrastructure, and discourage illegal refining activities that cause harm to both the economy and the environment.
Commodore Zubairu also noted that the Nigerian Navy will continue to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations to root out oil theft and ensure the safety and stability of the waterways. He warned that anyone found engaging in these illegal acts would face full legal consequences.
