EFCC, NMDPRA Uncover Illegal Refinery in Ogere Remo, Confiscate Products
EFCC, NMDPRA Uncover Illegal Refinery in Ogere Remo, Confiscate Products
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have uncovered an illegal oil-processing facility in Ogere Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, and confiscated suspected petroleum products.
The facility was discovered on October 31 by EFCC operatives following intelligence gathering and surveillance. A joint inspection by the EFCC and NMDPRA on November 4 revealed that the site occupied more than three hectares of land and contained underground storage tanks, locally fabricated equipment, separation silos and heating systems.
The NMDPRA State Coordinator, Dr Atilola Akinyemi, said the facility operated without regulatory permits and was unknown to the relevant authorities. He disclosed that an underground storage tank had an estimated capacity of more than 90,000 litres.
The EFCC said preliminary investigations indicated that the operators transported sludge oil from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the facility for processing. Two underground tanks contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel.
However, Akinyemi cautioned that laboratory tests were required to establish the actual composition of the recovered products. The materials have been confiscated pending analysis.
The EFCC said the facility was deserted when its operatives arrived and that investigations were ongoing to identify the operators, establish ownership and determine the extent of the suspected illegal activities.
The agencies said they would continue working together to prevent illegal refining and protect the petroleum sector from activities that could threaten public safety and legitimate investment.
