By Vivian Okejeme
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have uncovered an illegal oil refinery operated by Chinese nationals in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
The facility was found deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The raid followed an earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the region.
According to a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, the operation was executed by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 based on credible intelligence and prior surveillance regarding the illegal sludge oil refining activities.
Also, operatives discovered waste products from the refining process alongside underground processing tanks on site.
It added that two of the inspected underground tanks contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the operators sourced “black sludge” oil from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before transporting it to the Ogere facility.
“The sludge oil was then subjected to high heat to separate lighter petroleum components through filters, producing AGO intended for sale in the local market.
“Security personnel stationed at the facility informed investigators that the Chinese operators never disclosed their personal identities or the official name of the business entity.
“EFCC operatives have secured the premises as investigations continue to identify the operators, determine facility ownership, and establish the full scale of the alleged economic sabotage,” the statement noted.
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