In a significant crackdown on illegal oil activities, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos executed a meticulously planned operation, codenamed DELTA SANITY, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The operation led to the discovery and deactivation of an illegal refining site (IRS) in the Ajomo community, located in the Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.
The illegal refining site was equipped with a range of improvised equipment including ovens, storage tanks, drums, and hoses, all used for the illicit processing of stolen crude oil. The IRS contained a substantial quantity of crude oil, highlighting the scale of the illegal operation.
The FOB Escravos team, acting on intelligence reports, moved swiftly to secure the area, ensuring the immediate cessation of the refinery’s operations. This decisive action is part of ongoing efforts to combat the theft and illegal refining of crude oil, which poses significant economic and environmental risks.
Authorities are conducting further investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for operating the site. The successful execution of Operation DELTA SANITY underscores the commitment of security forces to maintaining stability and lawfulness in the region.
This operation is one of many aimed at curbing the illegal oil trade in Delta State, a region heavily affected by such activities. The deactivation of this IRS not only disrupts the local network of oil thieves but also sends a strong message about the government’s determination to protect its natural resources and uphold the rule of law.
