Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda have uncovered and dismantled an illegal refinery operating in the Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun communities of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
FOB Commander, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, confirmed the operation, revealing that seven suspects were apprehended at the site. Locally made firearms and machetes used to resist arrest were also seized.
According to Usman, the raid was based on credible intelligence regarding economic sabotage and maritime crimes. The team discovered about 3,000 litres of refined diesel stored in jerrycans, along with multiple ovens used to process stolen crude oil.
He explained that initial investigations showed those arrested were minor accomplices and had since been released, while the principal operators remain at large.
Usman added that naval personnel initially met violent resistance from hired youths and women attempting to obstruct the operation, prompting a temporary tactical withdrawal to prevent escalation.
“The team later returned in the early hours of the following day and discovered that the stolen crude oil and refined products had been moved to a nearby bakery and makeshift structures used as storage facilities,” he said. “The illegal refinery was subsequently deactivated in line with directives from Defence Headquarters.”
Captain Usman condemned the confrontation as a “dangerous innovation” by criminal elements bent on frustrating legitimate security operations and sabotaging national resources.
He reiterated that the operation was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to curb crude oil theft and safeguard national assets.
“The Nigerian Navy urges all law-abiding residents of riverine communities in Ondo State to resist being used by oil thieves,” he warned. “These criminal ventures benefit only a few while destroying the livelihoods and ecosystems of the entire community.”
He further cautioned that anyone obstructing the Navy’s operations against crude oil theft would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.