The Nigerian Navy has intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining in Delta State. In a recent operation, naval officers uncovered and shut down three illegal refining sites in Oteghele, a community in Warri South-West Local Government Area.
The raid was conducted on March 24 by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos under Operation Delta Sanity II. Speaking to journalists in Warri on Thursday, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, said the operation was based on reliable intelligence.
“The operation led to the seizure of about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). These were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks,” Okoloagu said.
He further noted that the Navy remains committed to eliminating illegal activities in Nigeria’s waterways and maritime domain. He said this aligns with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
Okoloagu also stated that cracking down on illegal refining and crude oil theft is essential for improving Nigeria’s oil production. Oil theft has long been a major challenge in the Niger Delta, affecting the nation’s economy and the environment.
