Nigerian Navy Shuts Down 10 Illegal Refineries in Delta, Seizes Over 27,000 Litres of Stolen Products

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos has dismantled 10 illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

This was revealed by the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, in a statement issued on Thursday in Warri. He stated that the sites were deactivated in July 2025 during a series of coordinated operations conducted in the Obodo Omadino Community, based on credible intelligence.

Okoloagu noted that the operations formed part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II, in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, which focus on maintaining pressure on economic saboteurs.

He outlined the following operations:

July 1: Three illegal refining sites dismantled at Obodo Omadino, containing 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,575 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), hidden in one oven, 30 dugout pits, and 21 polythene sacks.

July 12: One site dismantled at Oteghele, with 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil recovered from five dugout pits.

July 19: Another site at Oteghele uncovered with a pumping machine and dismantled.

July 23: Two active sites at Obodo Omadino shut down, yielding 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,675 litres of illegally refined AGO.

July 28: Three more illegal refining sites were deactivated in Obodo Omadino.


In total, the Base deactivated 10 illegal refining sites, seizing approximately 20,950 litres of stolen crude oil and 6,395 litres of illegally refined AGO. The products were discovered in two fabricated ovens, 92 dugout pits, and 60 polythene sacks.

Okoloagu reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal refining operations and protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure. He issued a stern warning to perpetrators to desist or face the consequences.