Nigerian Navy Strikes Hard: Six Illegal Refineries Wiped Out In Daring Delta Operation

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its clampdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, with its Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos recently dismantling six unlawful refining sites during a series of coordinated operations.

According to Ireporter Online, the operation, conducted under Operation Delta Sanity II, also led to the recovery of approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil. The Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed the details of the mission on Friday in Warri, Delta State.

Okoloagu explained that the success of the operation was driven by credible intelligence and aligned with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to eradicate oil theft networks across the Niger Delta. He stated that the operation was part of a sustained effort to dismantle the illegal supply chain and secure Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.

Between October 2 and 6, 2025, naval operatives targeted multiple locations in Obodo Omadino, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, leading to the destruction of six refining sites. The operation also uncovered 28 dugout pits, six polythene sacks containing stolen crude, and one pumping machine used for illegal refining.

Okoloagu further revealed that the Navy’s operations were executed in phases. On October 2, three illegal sites were destroyed, and 3,750 litres of crude oil were recovered. Two more sites were dismantled on October 4, yielding 1,450 litres, while the final phase on October 6 resulted in the seizure of an additional 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on oil thieves and ensuring the protection of national assets, noting that the operation also supports the Federal Government’s broader goal of increasing crude oil production and curbing economic sabotage.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining the tempo against illegal refining and pipeline vandalism,” Okoloagu emphasized.

It was further gathered that earlier in August 2025, the same naval base had destroyed ten other illegal refining sites in similar operations across the creeks. The Navy continues to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance across oil-producing communities as part of efforts to end crude oil theft and boost national output.