EFCC Uncovers Suspected Illegal Oil Refinery in Ogun, Investigates Alleged Chinese Operators

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have uncovered a suspected illegal oil refinery in the Ogere area of Ogun State, with investigations ongoing to identify those behind the operation.

The discovery was made on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during an operation conducted by operatives of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, following intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected illegal sludge oil refining activities.

According to the Commission, the facility was deserted when its operatives stormed the premises. However, they discovered waste products believed to have been generated from the refining process.

During the operation, underground tanks suspected to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil were also found.

The EFCC disclosed that two of the tanks contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the operators allegedly sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State before transporting it to the Ogere facility for processing.

The Commission explained that the suspected operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through different chambers and filters in a process believed to produce AGO for sale in the Nigerian market.

The EFCC further disclosed that security personnel at the facility told investigators that the alleged Chinese operators never revealed their identities or the name of the company responsible for the facility.

The discovery followed an earlier operation by the Commission in the area, during which four suspected illegal lithium processing plants were reportedly uncovered.

Following the latest operation, EFCC operatives have taken over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the suspected operators, the ownership of the facility and the full extent of the alleged illegal activities.

The Commission said the investigation would also determine the extent of possible economic sabotage associated with the operation.

Newsworld | Henryrich Ojo