The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered an illegal oil refinery in the Ogere area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC conducted the operation on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance on the activities of the illegal sludge oil refiners. The facility was found deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises.
The refinery was discovered to have been operated by Chinese nationals, although the identities of the operators and the company behind the facility remain unknown. Security personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility. The EFCC has taken over the premises as investigations continue.
During the raid, underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing the sludge oil were discovered. Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel. The EFCC also found waste products from the refining process at the location.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The sludge oil was then transported to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing. The operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through a series of chambers and filters.
The process was believed to produce Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) for sale in the Nigerian market. The EFCC's discovery is a significant blow to the operators, who were allegedly engaging in economic sabotage. The Commission's operation is part of its efforts to clamp down on illegal activities in the oil and gas sector.
The EFCC's Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 has taken over the premises and is continuing investigations to establish the identities of the operators, the ownership of the facility, and the full extent of the suspected illegal activities. The Commission's efforts aim to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further economic sabotage.
The discovery of the illegal refinery highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, where illegal activities continue to threaten the country's economy. The EFCC's operation demonstrates its commitment to tackling economic crimes and protecting the country's resources.
Key points
- The EFCC has uncovered an illegal oil refinery operated by Chinese nationals in Ogere, Ogun State, Nigeria.
- The facility was discovered to have been sourcing sludge oil from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
- The EFCC is continuing investigations to establish the identities of the operators and the ownership of the facility.
