The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) ESCRAVOS on Monday, September 9, 2024, conducted a successful operation under “Operation DELTA SANITY,” which led to the discovery and deactivation of an illegal refining site in Tibo community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.
During the operation, naval personnel identified and dismantled a site used for illicit refining activities. The illegal facility consisted of one wooden boat, two locally fabricated ovens, three large dug-out pits, and numerous drums filled with a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil. The operation aims to disrupt the operations of illegal refineries that pose environmental and economic threats to the region.
The Commander of FOB ESCRAVOS, stated that the illegal refining activities were causing significant environmental damage to the Tibo community and the surrounding areas. He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to eradicating such criminal activities in the Niger Delta, which not only undermine the nation’s economy but also contribute to environmental degradation.
This latest action is part of a broader crackdown on illegal oil refining and bunkering operations across Delta State and the entire Niger Delta region. The Nigerian Navy has ramped up surveillance and enforcement measures, including increased patrols and intelligence gathering, to identify and dismantle illegal refineries and apprehend those responsible.
The operation reflects ongoing efforts by security forces to secure the region’s oil and gas infrastructure and protect Nigeria’s natural resources from illegal exploitation. Residents of Tibo community were urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could assist in combating these illegal activities.
The deactivation of the illegal refining site underscores the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to ensure maritime security and the protection of critical national assets, while also highlighting the need for continuous community engagement and collaboration in the fight against illegal oil refining.
