In a major blow to oil theft, operatives from the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos have dismantled five illegal refining sites and seized approximately 13,350 litres of stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta creeks.
The raid was conducted under Operation Delta Sanity II, the Navy’s renewed nationwide campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and economic sabotage.
Troops uncovered well-established illegal refining camps equipped with wooden boats, storage tanks, ovens, and reservoirs containing stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The sites were immediately destroyed to prevent further criminal activity, while the confiscated products were handled according to standard procedures.
The Navy described the operation as part of intensified efforts to deny criminals freedom of action in Nigeria’s maritime domain and protect the nation’s oil resources.
Commanding Officer, FOB Escravos, reiterated zero tolerance for illegalities, vowing sustained aggressive patrols and swift response to credible intelligence.
Authorities urged communities and stakeholders to support the fight against oil theft by providing timely information, stressing that economic saboteurs will face the full weight of the law.
Operation Delta Sanity II continues to yield results as the military steps up the war against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
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