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EFCC, 2027

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three Chinese nationals during a joint operation with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) at an illegal refinery in Ogere-Remo, Ogun State.

The three foreign nationals were reportedly arrested over their alleged involvement in activities at the facility, which had earlier been sealed by the NMDPRA following suspicions of illegal petroleum refining.

Reports indicated that the Chinese nationals could not produce valid residence or work permits when requested by officials during the operation.

Preliminary findings reportedly showed that they had overstayed their visitor’s permits by approximately five months, raising further questions about their immigration status and activities at the facility.

Following their arrest, the EFCC took the three suspects into custody for further investigation.

The operation was carried out as part of efforts by the anti-graft agency and petroleum regulatory authorities to tackle illegal refining activities and other economic crimes within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

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The NMDPRA had previously sealed the facility after identifying suspected illegal refining operations, although further details about the scale of the activities and the refinery’s ownership were not immediately available.

Illegal refining remains a major challenge to Nigeria’s petroleum industry, with unauthorised facilities contributing to crude oil theft, environmental pollution and losses in government revenue.

Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about the activities of illegal refinery operators, particularly in areas where stolen crude oil is processed into petroleum products outside approved regulatory frameworks.

The activities also pose environmental and security risks to host communities through oil spills, improper waste disposal and the release of harmful substances into the environment.

The EFCC has continued to pursue investigations into financial and economic crimes linked to the petroleum sector, including activities suspected to undermine government revenue and the country’s regulatory framework.

The arrest of the three Chinese nationals is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the operations of the sealed facility.

The commission is yet to disclose the identities of the suspects or provide details of possible charges against them.

It was also unclear whether other individuals connected to the facility had been identified or arrested in connection with the suspected illegal refining activities.

The EFCC is expected to establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement, their immigration status and any possible financial or regulatory violations as investigations continue.