The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and dismantled an illegal refinery in Gbaramatu, Delta State, as part of its ongoing Operation Delta Sanity.
On Tuesday, 15 April, personnel aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta located the illicit site in Yeye Creek, Gbaramatu, Warri South Local Government Area.
According to a statement shared on the Navy’s official Facebook channel, the facility contained 15 pits filled with stolen crude oil and large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Navy’s post emphasized its commitment to curbing crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region, noting that such operations undermine national economic security.
The discovery has sparked criticism on social media, with some users questioning the effectiveness of private security firms contracted to safeguard oil infrastructure. One viral comment referenced Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a firm reportedly receiving substantial government funding to protect pipelines.
“This is the home of the Tantita boss, who receives 4 billion Naira every month from the Federal Government to protect the pipeline and stop crude oil bunkering. It’s a shame, the contract should be revoked since he has failed”
Others called for a more inclusive approach to tackling illegal refining, suggesting that former operators be engaged in formal employment initiatives to reduce economic desperation that fuels such activities.
“Let Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited, call all the ex-local crude oil refinery operators Oga them and give them job slots to give their boys, the boys don’t have jobs to do, nah. See suffer head work the boys them won do take survive.” A social media user commented in local parlance.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to Operation Delta Sanity and ongoing efforts to secure the region’s critical oil assets.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
