EFCC uncovers Chinese-operated illegal oil refinery in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered an illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in Ogere, Ogun State, as part of its ongoing crackdown on economic and environmental crimes.

The discovery was made on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the commission following intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected illegal sludge oil refining activities in the area.

According to the EFCC, the facility was deserted when operatives stormed the premises, following an earlier operation that led to the discovery of four illegal lithium processing plants in the area.

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However, investigators discovered waste products from the refining process, alongside underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil.

Two of the tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators allegedly sourced sludge oil, also referred to as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before transporting it to the facility in Ogere for processing.

Further findings indicated that the sludge oil was subjected to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through a series of chambers and filters in a process suspected to produce AGO for sale in the Nigerian market.

Security personnel at the facility reportedly told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators did not disclose their identities or the name of the company behind the operation.

The commission said its operatives had taken over the premises as investigations continued to determine the identities of the suspected operators, establish ownership of the facility and uncover the full extent of the alleged illegal activities.

The EFCC said the investigation was aimed at addressing suspected economic sabotage and other offences associated with the operation.