The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Escravos Friday, destroyed two illegal crude oil refining sites at Oteghele Community in Obodo-Omadino, Warri South, Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.

The sites were laden with “about 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) contained in one oven, nine dug out pits and 28 polythene sacks.

Commander of the base, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, said the operation was part of “the sustained fight against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage and in support of efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production output.

“The successful operation, which was in support of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, was based on credible intelligence.

“The operation further highlights the commitment of Forward Operating Base to achieve the dictates of the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to root out all forms of illegalities within the maritime environment.”

It would be noted that personnel of the FOB Escravos, about two weeks ago, discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites in the area.

The sites were laden with about 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO, contained in five ovens, 12 dug-out pits and 33 polythene sacks.