Personnel from the Nigerian Navy attached to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos raided the Oteghele community in Obodo Omadinho, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State on the night of March 7. The operation led to the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites.
Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, confirmed that the sites contained about 5,500 liters of stolen crude oil and 2,000 liters of illegally refined AGO. The oil was stored in one oven, nine dug-out pits, and 28 polythene sacks.
Captain Okoloagu attributed the success of the operation to credible intelligence and underscored that it was part of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II. He emphasized that the Navy’s fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage was crucial in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to boost its daily crude oil production.
“The operation also demonstrates our commitment at FOB Escravos to fulfill the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, aimed at eradicating illegal activities in the maritime sector,” Captain Okoloagu stated.
This operation comes just two weeks after Navy personnel at FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites in the same area, containing 3,700 liters of stolen crude and 2,600 liters of refined AGO.
Captain Okoloagu reiterated the Navy’s resolve to combat illegal activities in the oil sector, warning economic saboteurs that they would face justice and be denied freedom of action.
