In a decisive crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has successfully dismantled six illegal refining sites and seized approximately 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil in the Obodo Omadino area of Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
The operation, executed by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, was part of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, a strategic initiative aimed at curbing economic sabotage and boosting Nigeria’s daily crude oil output. Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives conducted a series of coordinated raids between October 2 and 6, 2025.
In total, the Navy recovered the stolen crude from 28 dugout pits and six polythene sacks, along with one pumping machine used in the illicit operations.
Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, emphasized the operation’s alignment with the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, which prioritize sustained pressure on economic saboteurs. “FOB Escravos remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets,” Okoloagu stated.