EFCC Tracks Down Illegal Chinese-Linked Oil Operation in Ogun
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered an abandoned illegal oil processing facility allegedly linked to Chinese nationals in Ogere, Ogun State.
The discovery was made on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during an intelligence-driven operation by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.
The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, announced the development in a statement released on Tuesday, November 3.
He explained that the operation followed surveillance targeting individuals suspected of engaging in illegal sludge oil refining.
According to the EFCC, operatives arrived at the premises to find the facility deserted, although evidence of recent refining activities remained.
Investigators reportedly recovered processing waste and discovered underground tanks believed to have served as heating and storage facilities.
Two of the tanks contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel, the commission disclosed.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the operators obtained black sludge from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
The materials were subsequently transported to Ogere, where they allegedly underwent an illegal refining process.
The EFCC said the suspected operators used intense heat to separate lighter petroleum components through chambers and filtration systems.
The process was believed to produce diesel for distribution and sale within the Nigerian market.
Workers questioned during the operation reportedly told investigators that the Chinese operators concealed their identities and refused to disclose the company’s name.
The commission has since secured the facility as investigations continue into its ownership and the identities of those responsible.
The EFCC is also investigating the scale of the operation and possible economic sabotage arising from the suspected illegal petroleum activities.
The latest operation follows an earlier crackdown on four illegal lithium processing facilities discovered in the same area.
