The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism by uncovering and dismantling three illegal refining sites in Oteghele, a community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The operation, conducted on March 24 by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, was part of Operation Delta Sanity II. Addressing journalists in Warri on Thursday, FOB Escravos Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, stated that the raid was based on credible intelligence. “The operation led to the seizure of about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). “These were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks,” Okoloagu said. He reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to eliminating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, aligning with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Okoloagu further stated that the operation aimed to combat oil theft and enhance the nation’s crude oil production.