The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda has dismantled nine illegal refining sites and destroyed 20,000 litres of crude oil along with 15,000 litres of illegally refined diesel in the Obenla community, located in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Captain Aliyu Usman, the Commander of the Base, shared this information with journalists on Thursday, revealing that the operation, conducted on January 6, 2025, was based on reliable intelligence.
“In line with the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, our team raided a farmhouse serving as a refining camp within the Obenla community. We discovered nine illegal refining sites along the Obenla coastline,” Usman explained.
He noted that the suspects had fled the scene before the naval operatives arrived, likely alerted to the operation. However, upon reaching the area, the team found 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil, which had not yet been processed, and 15,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, suspected to be automatic gas oil (AGO).
“This operation marks another significant achievement for the Nigerian Navy in its efforts to safeguard the environment and curb illegal activities,” Usman said, emphasizing that the Navy’s mission to eliminate such crimes would continue.
The Commander also took the opportunity to educate the residents of Obenla on the dangers of supporting such illicit activities. He reiterated that the Nigerian Navy would remain steadfast in its efforts to stop illegal operations and urged criminals to seek legitimate means of livelihood.
