The Nigerian Navy has dealt a significant blow to oil thieves and vandals in Delta State. On Friday night, personnel from the Forward Operating Base Escravos raided the Oteghele community at Obodo Omadinho, discovering and deactivating two illegal refining sites.
According to Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, “the sites were laden with about 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO contained in one oven, nine dug out pits and 28 polythene sacks.” The successful operation was based on credible intelligence and supports the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II.
Captain Okoloagu emphasized that the sustained fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other acts of economic sabotage is crucial to boosting Nigeria’s daily crude oil production quantity. This operation highlights the Navy’s commitment to rooting out illegalities within the maritime environment.
This isn’t the first time the Navy has taken action against oil thieves in the area. Just two weeks ago, operatives from FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Obodo in the Omadinho community, Warri South West LGA. The sites contained about 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO.
The Navy’s efforts to combat oil theft and vandalism are ongoing, with a focus on disrupting and dismantling illegal refining operations. By working to prevent these illicit activities, the Navy is helping to ensure the stability and security of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.