EFCC Uncovers Chinese-Operated Illegal Oil Refinery in Ogun State

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has uncovered an illegal oil refinery operated by Chinese nationals in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

Operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, raided the facility on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance on the activities of the illegal sludge oil refiners.

EFCC spokesman said the refinery was found deserted when operatives stormed the premises, following the Commission's earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area.

However, the spokesman said waste products from the refining process were discovered at the location.

He said during the raid, underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing the sludge oil were also discovered.

The statement noted that two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.

The anti-graft said preliminary investigations revealed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which they transport to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing.

It said further investigation revealed that the illegal operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through a series of chambers and filters in a process believed to produce Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) for sale in the Nigerian market.

The statement further noted that security personnel found at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility.

Following the development, the EFCC has since taken over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the operators, the ownership of the facility and the full extent of the suspected illegal activities and economic sabotage.