In a major boost to Nigeria’s fight against crude oil theft, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has dismantled five illegal refining sites in Obodo Omadino Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The coordinated operations, carried out between November 5 and November 19, 2025, underline the military’s intensified push against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
FOB Escravos Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Warri, noting that the sites were neutralised under the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II.
13,050 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil Seized
According to Okoloagu, the Navy recovered approximately 13,050 litres of stolen crude oil concealed in 30 dugout pits and three polythene sacks during the operations.
Breakdown of the operation:
- Nov. 5, 2025: Two illegal refining sites dismantled; 4,000 litres recovered.
- Nov. 14, 2025: One additional site dismantled; 3,850 litres recovered.
- Nov. 19, 2025: Two more illegal sites deactivated; 5,200 litres seized.
The Commanding Officer emphasized that each operation was driven by credible intelligence and executed to disrupt the activities of criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s oil assets.
Operation DELTA SANITY II: Sustained Pressure on Oil Thieves
Okoloagu highlighted that the mission aligns with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who has prioritized maintaining unrelenting pressure on oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and other economic saboteurs affecting the nation’s revenue base.
He reiterated that the Navy remains fully committed to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and eliminating illegal bunkering activities across the maritime domain.
Strong Warning to Economic Saboteurs
The naval chief issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in oil theft, stating that anyone caught sabotaging the nation’s economic assets will face the full weight of the law.
He reaffirmed FOB Escravos’ dedication to defending the country’s critical infrastructure:
“The Base remains unwavering in its commitment to curbing illegal activities in the maritime environment and safeguarding national assets,” Okoloagu stated.
This latest operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued vigilance and determination to secure the Niger Delta—one of the country’s most critical economic lifelines.
