Warri: The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has successfully dismantled three illegal refining sites in Delta. Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, disclosed this information to newsmen on Tuesday in Warri. The sites were deactivated in Obodo, located in the Omadinho Community of Warri South-West Local Government Area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the illegal refining sites were found to contain approximately 3,700 liters of stolen crude oil and 2,600 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). The products were stored in five ovens, 12 dug out pits, and 33 polythene sacks. This operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other economic sabotage activities.
The success of these operations was attributed to credible intelligence received, which aligns with the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II. Navy Capt. Okoloagu emphasized the FOB Escravos’ dedication to the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, which aim to eliminate illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime space. He issued a warning to saboteurs in the oil sector, stating that those caught will face prosecution.
The News Agency of Nigeria also recalls that the Base had recently deactivated four other illegal refining sites in the same community, highlighting the continuous effort of the Navy in this region.