The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal refinery in Ondo State, arrested seven suspects, seized weapons, and recovered 3,000 litres of stolen diesel.
In a major breakthrough in the fight against crude oil theft and environmental degradation, the Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal refinery operating in the coastal communities of Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The successful operation, which resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, underscores the military’s determination to clamp down on criminal networks engaged in the illicit refining and distribution of petroleum products.
Commander of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, confirmed the development during a briefing with journalists.
He revealed that the operation followed actionable intelligence gathered over several days regarding large-scale oil theft and economic sabotage taking place in the area.
According to him, the Navy’s anti-crude-oil-theft squad acted swiftly on the intelligence, storming the site and uncovering a fully functional illegal refinery.
During the raid, the team discovered about 3,000 litres of refined diesel, stored in multiple jerrycans, as well as several metal ovens and distillation drums used in processing stolen crude oil.
Captain Usman disclosed that seven suspects were apprehended at the scene of the crime. Locally made guns and machetes—believed to have been used by the perpetrators to resist arrest—were also recovered.
He added that while the suspects are believed to be secondary operators, the main actors behind the illegal activity have been identified and declared wanted.
He further explained that during the initial raid, the naval personnel met stiff resistance from a group of hired youths and women who attempted to block the operation.
The mob, he said, acted as a human shield to protect the criminals. To prevent any civilian casualties, the team withdrew momentarily to strategize before returning later that night.
“When our men returned in the early hours of the next morning,” Captain Usman said, “we discovered that the stolen crude oil and refined products had been moved to nearby structures, including a local bakery and makeshift stores.
“Our operatives immediately secured the area and dismantled the entire operation site in line with Defence Headquarters’ directive to destroy all illegal refining camps.”
The Commander described the resistance encountered as a “dangerous innovation” by criminal elements who continue to frustrate government efforts to protect Nigeria’s vital oil resources.
He lamented that such illegal activities not only rob the nation of significant revenue but also destroy marine ecosystems and livelihoods in the riverine communities.
“This illegal refinery is one of many similar sites operating in secret across the creeks,” he said.
“The Nigerian Navy will not relent in tracking and dismantling these facilities. Every litre of stolen crude contributes to environmental damage, economic loss, and the collapse of legitimate businesses in the oil sector.”
Usman noted that the suspects in custody were being interrogated to assist in identifying the ringleaders, financiers, and buyers of the stolen products.
He revealed that preliminary findings showed the illegal refinery was part of a larger network involved in crude oil bunkering, refining, and black-market distribution along the Ondo coastal corridor.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing operations were in strict compliance with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to intensify maritime security and curb all forms of oil theft in Nigeria’s coastal regions.
“Every illegal refinery destroyed is a step towards protecting the nation’s economy,” he said.
“We will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations, working with sister security agencies and community leaders to eliminate this menace.”
Captain Usman also issued a stern warning to residents of riverine and oil-bearing communities in Ondo State, urging them not to collaborate with oil thieves or shield them from arrest.
He emphasized that anyone caught obstructing military operations would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted under existing laws.
“The Nigerian Navy appeals to law-abiding citizens to report suspicious activities around their environment,” he stated.
“Oil theft and illegal refining only benefit a handful of people while impoverishing entire communities. The soot, pollution, and contamination of water sources destroy fishing livelihoods and render farmlands useless.”
Speaking further, the naval chief called on community leaders to partner with security agencies in protecting national resources. He noted that the fight against illegal refinery operations cannot be won by the military alone without local support.
He said, “Community vigilance is key. Our environment and future generations depend on what we do today to stop these harmful activities. The Navy remains committed to its mandate of protecting national assets, ensuring maritime safety, and preserving the integrity of our coastal environment.”
Environmental experts have long warned that crude oil theft and illegal refining are among the major causes of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.
The unregulated burning of crude oil in bush refineries releases toxic substances into the atmosphere, leading to severe air and water pollution. These activities also contribute to the destruction of aquatic life and the displacement of fishing communities.
By dismantling the illegal refinery in Ilaje, the Nigerian Navy has once again demonstrated its resolve to protect both the economy and the environment from criminal exploitation.
The operation, though challenging, sends a clear message that no matter how remote or fortified, no illegal oil camp will escape the long reach of the law.
Captain Usman concluded by commending the officers and men of FOB Igbokoda for their courage and professionalism during the operation.
He assured that the Navy would continue to maintain a strong presence in the creeks and waterways to prevent the reestablishment of similar illegal refining camps.
The Nigerian Navy’s action, he said, should serve as a deterrent to others engaged in illegal refinery operations or related crimes.
“We will continue to pursue and dismantle every network involved in sabotaging the nation’s oil infrastructure,” he vowed. “Nigeria must not continue to lose her wealth to the greed of a few.”
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