EFCC Uncovers Illegal Oil Refinery Operated by Chinese Nationals 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.

The operation took place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, and was carried out by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC. It followed credible intelligence and surveillance by the Commission on the activities of illegal sludge oil refiners.

EFCC operatives found the refinery deserted when they stormed the premises. This followed the Commission’s earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the same area.

Waste products from the refining process were discovered at the location. Underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing the sludge oil were also found during the raid. Two of the tanks contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.

Preliminary investigations showed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State. The material was then transported to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing.

Further investigation revealed that the operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat. Lighter petroleum components were allowed 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.

Security personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility.

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC have taken over the premises. 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.

By John James