Chinese Operators Flee as EFCC Uncovers Illegal Diesel Refinery in Ogun
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have uncovered an illegal refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in Ogere, Ogun State, where sludge oil was reportedly processed into diesel for sale.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC following credible intelligence and surveillance targeting suspected illegal oil refiners.
The facility was reportedly deserted before the arrival of the operatives, who discovered evidence of ongoing refining activities, including waste products and underground tanks believed to have been used in processing sludge oil.
Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly called diesel.
Investigations indicated that the operators transported black sludge oil from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State to the facility in Ogere for processing.
The suspected illegal refinery reportedly used intense heat and a series of chambers and filters to separate lighter petroleum components from the sludge oil in order to produce diesel for the Nigerian market.
The EFCC further disclosed that security personnel at the premises could not provide the identities of the Chinese operators or the name of the company behind the operation.
The latest discovery followed the Commission’s recent crackdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the same area.
The EFCC has taken over the facility while investigations continue to identify those behind the operation, establish ownership of the refinery and determine the extent of the suspected economic sabotage.
